Scam checker · The Calm Tech

Is this “bank” text or call about a suspicious payment a scam?

A message or call warns of a suspicious transaction and asks you to confirm it, read out a code, or move your money “somewhere safe”. This is the scam that costs Australians the most. Here’s how to stay safe.

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What this scam looks like

⚠️ Example of a scam message“CommBank: Did you attempt a payment of $940 to PayID? Reply Y or N. If not you, call 02… immediately to secure your account.”

The tell-tale signs

They create panic — “your account’s been hacked, act now”.
They ask you to read out a code sent to your phone. (Never do this.)
They tell you to move money to a “safe” or “holding” account. Banks never do this.
The number looks like your bank’s — scammers can fake the caller ID and even the message thread.

What to do

Hang up, or don’t reply. Then ring the bank yourself on the number on the back of your card.
Never read out a text code, and never move money because someone on the phone told you to.
If money has moved, ring your bank’s fraud line straight away and report to scamwatch.gov.au.
If your identity may be exposed, call IDCARE free on 1800 595 160.

Not sure about a message you’ve got?

Check it free with the Tech Helper

Show it the message and it’ll tell you honestly whether it looks like a scam, and exactly what to do. Free, calm, and there’s a real person — me — behind it if you’re still unsure.

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The three rules that stop almost every scam

If they rush you, it’s a scam. Real companies never hurry you. "Act now", "your account will be locked today", "final notice" — that pressure is the tell.
Never use the door they give you. Don’t tap the link or ring the number in the message. Go in your own way — open the official app yourself, or ring the number on the back of your card.
Your codes are yours. Full stop. Those six-digit text codes are keys to your accounts. No genuine company will ever ask you to read one out.

Common questions

My bank called about fraud — is it real?

It might be — but the safe move is always the same: hang up and ring the bank yourself on the number on the back of your card. A real bank is happy for you to do that. A scammer will try to keep you on the line.

Would my bank ever ask me to move money to keep it safe?

No. No genuine bank will ever ask you to transfer your money to another account to “protect” it. That request, by itself, means it’s a scam.

Been caught, or worried your details are out there? You’re not alone, and there’s no shame in it. Report a scam at scamwatch.gov.au, and for identity help call IDCARE free on 1800 595 160. And if you’d like a patient hand, leave your number and I’ll call you back.