Be wary of convincing looking emails asking you to pay an invoice or bill for a service you use – it could be a scam.
Bills and subscription renewals can sometimes be difficult to keep track of. But before you pay, take some time to make sure it’s not a fake.
The ACMA is aware of increasingly sophisticated scam emails that appear to be from a well-known product or service provider requesting payment of a bill or renewal fee.
These scam emails are sent to both individuals and businesses. They often have an attachment that looks like a legitimate bill or invoice with payment details or include a link to a payment site to renew a subscription.
Scammers often impersonate common service providers for phone, internet and utilities (such as Telstra, Internode or Energy Australia) as well as internet security subscription services (like McAfee or Norton). Businesses may be targeted with fake internet domain registration or renewal notices. The email might include genuine contact details and website links for the company being impersonated, to convince you the bill is real.
To avoid getting caught out, stop and check the details of any invoices you receive, and never click a link in an email to make a payment. If you’re unsure if a bill is real, contact the business using a number you have sourced independently (for example, check their phone number online), or log in to your account if you have one with the provider.
Scammers target everyone. We encourage Australians to discuss how to identify scams with friends and family. Learn more about how to protect yourself and those close to you on the ACMA website and, if you think it’s a scam, make a report to Scamwatch.
If you’re concerned that your identity has been compromised or you’ve been a victim of a scam, contact your bank immediately and call IDCARE on 1800 595 160.