Scam numbers change fast, and so does the way scammers mask them.
Below you’ll find a curated, timestamped list of phone numbers that have been reported targeting Australians, clear instructions to verify or block a number on iPhone/Android, and step-by-step reporting and recovery actions.
If you’re in a hurry, jump straight to the “Quick actions” box. Otherwise, reading on this will keep you safer than answering unknown calls.
Why this page exists
People search for Australia’s Scam Number List when they see a suspicious missed call or sketchy SMS and want an instant yes/no.
Most lists are either unsourced or quickly become stale.
This page collects reported scam numbers, shows where they came from, explains spoofing (when the caller ID is faked), and gives you concrete actions: verify, block, and report.
A number appearing on your phone doesn’t always mean the call originated there.
Scammers often spoof numbers, including official agency numbers (including ACCC or ATO), to trick you.
Official warnings about spoofing have been issued by the National Anti-Scam Centre and ACCC.
Quick actions (if you just want to deal with a call)
- Don’t call back, don’t give details.
- Use a reverse lookup app (Truecaller/Hiya) to check the number quickly.
- Block the number on your phone — instructions below for iPhone and Android.
- Report the number to Scamwatch (ACCC) and, if money was lost, ReportCyber.
Australia’s Scam Number List (curated & timestamped)
Australia does not maintain a public, government-run database of scam phone numbers to block. Scammers constantly use caller ID spoofing and cycle through new numbers, making any static list quickly outdated.
Therefore, the best defence relies on a combination of checking suspicious numbers, understanding scam patterns, and using official reporting channels.
Be highly cautious of calls starting with certain number sequences.
According to reports, many scam calls start with the six-digit prefix 0480 036 XXX.
However, remember this is not a guarantee—not everyone with this prefix is a scammer, and not all scammers use it.
Scammers can “spoof” numbers to make them appear as though they are calling from a trusted institution, sometimes even your own bank, the ACCC, or a well-known local number. Do not trust the caller ID alone.
How to verify whether a number is likely a scam (5 quick checks)
1. Search reputable sources first.
Look up the number on Scamwatch, ACMA, and your bank’s fraud pages. (Scamwatch has dedicated reporting pages and alerts.)
2. Reverse-lookup with a known app
Truecaller and Hiya aggregate user reports; they’re not perfect, but are fast for signals. (If numerous users tag it “scam”, treat it with caution.
Ask: Do they ask for money, remote access, TFN, or passwords?
Those are immediate red flags.
3. Check for urgency & pressure tactics.
Scammers create urgency, “act now or your account will be frozen,” which real agencies rarely use.
4. Call your bank using a number from their official website (not the callback number).
If the caller claims to be your bank, hang up and call the bank’s number on the back of your card or the official website.
Blocking scam numbers (step-by-step)
iPhone (iOS)
- Open Phone → Recents.
- Tap the “i” next to the number.
- Scroll and select Block this Caller.
- Optional: Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers will silence calls from unknown numbers (they go to voicemail). (Use with care, legitimate calls from new numbers may be silenced.)
Android (general; steps vary slightly by device)
- Open Phone → Recents.
- Tap the number → Details → Block/report spam (or “Block number”).
- Samsung users: Phone app → Recents → tap number → Block/report spam.
- Consider installing a spam-filtering app (Truecaller/Hiya) if you get many spam calls.
Telco-level options (Telstra/Optus/Vodafone & others)
- Most major telcos have network spam-filtering or call-guardian services you can turn on.
- Ask your provider or check their support pages for “spam call blocking” options. (Telco features can block many scam numbers before they reach you.)
Reporting: why it matters and where to report
Reporting helps authorities track scam patterns and warn others. Key reporting channels in Australia:
- Scamwatch (ACCC) report scams and checks alerts.
- ACMA (phone & SMS scams guidance), telco issues and advice for phone-based scams.
- ReportCyber report cybercrimes and serious losses.
- Do Not Call complaints for marketing calls and telemarketer issues (use the Do Not Call complaint form).
- If identity theft, contact IDCARE (support for victims of identity crime).
When you report, include: the phone number, date/time, call content (script used), whether you gave anything, and screenshots/voicemail if available.
If you’ve lost money (immediate next steps)
- Contact your bank immediately and ask them to freeze or monitor accounts.
- Report to your bank’s fraud team and to Scamwatch/ReportCyber.
- Contact IDCARE if personal ID info was compromised.
- Make a police report if instructed by your bank or if the loss is large. Keep evidence (messages, emails, numbers).
Spoofing explained: why a “trusted” number can still be a scam.
Spoofing means the caller ID is faked. Scammers can make their call look like it’s from the ACCC, ATO, or your bank.
The ACCC/National Anti-Scam Centre have warned about scams impersonating ACCC numbers, meaning the number shown on your phone is not a reliable authenticity signal.
If someone calls claiming to be an authority and pressures you to pay or share personal data, hang up and call the authority back using a number from their official website.
Methodology
- Numbers added to our list are drawn from: Scamwatch reports, verified community submissions, telco reports, and known public alerts. Each entry includes a source and a “last verified” date.
- We do not publish unverified single reports without corroboration (to reduce false positives).
- We publish a changelog and offer a CSV export so users and developers can import the list into call-blocking tools.
Here are some helpful tools & apps to counter scam numbers
Truecaller / Hiya offers fast community reports & reverse lookup.
Scamwatch (ACCC) official reports and alerts.
ReportCyber reports major losses/online scams.
Scammers evolve, the best defence is a mix of verification, blocking, and rapid reporting.
FAQs
Is the number on my phone proof that it’s a real caller?
No. Scammers spoof numbers. Always verify via official channels.
How often is this list updated?
Best practice is to update daily for high-traffic lists; include a “last updated” timestamp on the page so readers know freshness.
Can I share these numbers on WhatsApp or Facebook?
Yes — but avoid accusing individuals. Share the number and the source (e.g., “reported to Scamwatch on DATE”) and link to the official report if possible.
Who do I call if I’ve been impersonated by a scammer using my number?
Report to your telco immediately (they can investigate), and report to Scamwatch/ReportCyber. If identity theft occurred, contact IDCARE.
TL;DR – what to do right now?
- Don’t call back.
- Block the number and flag it as spam.
- Check the number on Scamwatch and reverse lookup apps.
- Report to Scamwatch / ReportCyber and your bank if money was lost.