TL;DR: In Australia, forward spam and scam texts to ACMA’s Spam SMS line on 0429 999 888 (standard SMS rates apply). Report the scam itself to Scamwatch. If it impersonates a bank, also forward it to that bank: CommBank hoax@cba.com.au, Westpac 0497 132 032, NAB 0476 220 003, ANZ hoax@cybersecurity.anz.com (email). Lost money? Call your bank first, right now.
Step 1: Forward to ACMA
Scamwatch points to ACMA’s dedicated Spam SMS line: 0429 999 888. Forward the text there. Your normal SMS rates apply. You can also register online with ACMA so its Anti-Spam Team can contact you if needed.
iPhone: press and hold the message → More → tap the forward arrow → enter 0429 999 888. Android: press and hold → Forward → 0429 999 888.
Save it as a contact called "SPAM" and you’ll never have to look it up again.
Step 2: Report to Scamwatch
Use Scamwatch’s Report a scam page. Reports feed the National Anti-Scam Centre’s takedown and warning work.
Step 3: Tell the brand
If the text pretends to be a bank, forward it to that bank too:
| Bank | Where to forward |
|---|---|
| CommBank | hoax@cba.com.au (source) |
| Westpac | Texts: 0497 132 032; emails: hoax@westpac.com.au (source) |
| NAB | Texts: 0476 220 003; emails: phish@nab.com.au (source) |
| ANZ | Emails: hoax@cybersecurity.anz.com (source) |
Don’t reply
Replying (even "STOP") to a scam text confirms your number is live. Report and delete.
Lost money or shared details?
Reporting spam doesn’t get money back. Do this instead:
- Call your bank immediately.
- Report to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au.
- Get free help from IDCARE on 1800 595 160.
Fewer scam texts in future
Unverified sender names now get flagged under the SMS Sender ID Register. For calls, see the Do Not Call Register. And if you’re wondering how scammers got your number, a free exposure check shows the breaches it may have come from.
Frequently Asked Questions
What number do I forward scam texts to in Australia?
ACMA’s Spam SMS line, 0429 999 888.
Is it free to forward spam to 0429 999 888?
Your mobile provider’s standard SMS rates apply.
Where else should I report a scam text?
Report it to Scamwatch, and forward bank-branded texts to the bank’s own reporting address or number.
Should I reply STOP to a scam text?
No. Replying confirms your number is active.
Sources
- Scamwatch: Reporting spam SMS to ACMA
- CommBank: Report hoaxes
- Westpac: Latest scams
- NAB: Latest scam alerts
- ANZ: Latest scams