Callback scams are on the rise and despite us all thinking we won’t fall for them we increasingly are

Telstra have released some interesting information on the ever increasing issue of callback scams.

You know the ones. An urgent call for action that urges you to make the next move by calling a number. Your kid has lost their phone so you need to call them immediately on this new number, your recent purchase on Amazon had a problem with the payment or you have a bill you haven’t paid.

These types of scams are on the rise in Australia and as Telstra state “they are designed to get around our defences”

Suspicious links and calls from somebody not in your contact lists have been around for many years and Telstra claim they have blocked over 1 billion scam calls since they implemented their call blocking initiative (NUMBAT) in 2020.

But these new types of scams have emerged as users have generally become more aware of potential risks so the attempts have had to become more sophisticated.

But what if YOU make the call? If they are doing their job properly the scammers know that by you making the effort to call them back due to their enticing traps then you are very likely to be their next victim. You are already a qualified prospect, motivated to sort the issue out.

Why do we fall for these scams?

According to a recent YouGov survey 69% of Australians are confident they won’t be tricked into calling a scammer  yet 85% prefer to speak by phone when dealing with an urgent issue.

You just want to sort this out once and for all so what harm can a quick phone call do? That is exactly what they want you to do, exactly the instinct callback scams exploit.

Telstra’s numbers show that callback scams used to account for approximately 29% of reported email scams in 2025 but they have exploded to 45% this year.

The below graphic explains it in a nutshell

So how do you combat the urge to call back?

Check the source

• Look for odd email addresses, unfamiliar mobile numbers or missing Sender IDs. If the source does not match the brand, do not trust the message.

Check the claim before trying to fix it

• Look at your bank account, subscription or order history before acting on the message.

Keep security codes to yourself

• One-time codes are designed to protect your account. A legitimate organisation should not ask you to provide one so it can “secure” or “cancel” something.

Be wary of instructions to move money

• A bank or other legitimate organisation will not ask you to transfer funds to a “safe account” or purchase gift cards or cryptocurrency.

If in doubt, hang up

• If someone discourages you from ending the call or checking independently, end the conversation.

Report suspected scams

• If you suspect a phishing scam, report it to your provider.