How to Block Scam Calls in Australia & What Government is Considering?
How often have you received calls from unknown numbers? Well, you are not alone in this. It has been noted that scam calls in Australia are getting harder to catch. Fraudsters now copy local numbers and run automated dialling systems around the clock.
This guide walks you through why these calls keep growing, the warning signs to watch for, and the exact steps to block them on Android and iPhone.
Which Aussie Numbers Are Scam?
Australia do not have any government database but you can surely identify the ways. TrueCaller gives you a better understanding on those numbers that you receive a missed call from. If you think they aren’t legit, you can use this service. Reports highlight that the number may start with 0480 036.
You may also watch for patterns, such as:
- Unfamiliar mobile numbers that call repeatedly within short windows, then stop once you answer once
- Calls claiming to be from a bank, government agency or delivery company, using a number that does not match the organisation’s published contact details
- Silent calls or a short pause before a person or recording starts speaking, a sign of automated dialling equipment
- Numbers reported by other users on reverse lookup platforms such as TrueCaller
What Makes Scam Calls Keep Rising in Australia?
Scammers have more tools at their disposal than ever before. It has been reported that Australians lost 2.18 billion dollars to scams in 2025 (a rise of 7.8 per cent from the year before).
A few forces are driving this growth, and they are:
- Number spoofing lets offshore call centres display an Australian mobile or landline number on your screen.
- Data breaches put personal details, including phone numbers, up for sale on hidden corners of the internet.
- Automated dialling machines ring random numbers around the clock, building lists of active users for future targeting.
Keeping your devices and accounts locked down reduces how exposed you are in the first place. A privacy and security check can flag weak spots before a scammer finds them for you.
How to Identify a Scam Call Australia?
A genuine caller from your bank or telco will never pressure you to act within minutes. Here are the ways to identify scam calls:
- The caller creates urgency, warning of an account suspension, unpaid fine or missed delivery that needs immediate action
- You are asked to pay using gift cards, cryptocurrency or a wire transfer, methods no legitimate Australian organisation requests
- The caller asks for a one-time PIN, bank login or full card number over the phone
- Threats of arrest, legal action or service disconnection appear early in the conversation
- The number or caller ID looks slightly off, such as an extra digit or an unfamiliar area code paired with a familiar business name
How to Block Spam Calls on Your Phone
Phone settings handle spam calls well, though a device that is old, slow, or glitching for reasons that have nothing to do with scammers is a separate job. That is where a laptop repair service or a desktop computer repair earns its keep.
Here are the steps for blocking:
Steps for Android
- Open the Phone app on your device.
- Tap the three dots in the top right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Tap Caller ID and spam protection.
- Turn on See caller and spam ID to get a warning when a suspected scammer calls.
- Turn on Filter spam calls to silence calls from numbers flagged as high risk.
Steps for iPhone
- Open Settings.
- Tap Phone.
- Turn on Silence Unknown Callers.
If your home network or device settings need a closer look, a Wi-Fi and internet check can rule out other issues affecting how your phone connects and receives updates.
Pairing this with regular malware and virus removal keeps scam related apps and links from doing further damage if you slip up and tap something you should not have.
Where to Report a Scam Call
Reporting as an Individual
Report suspicious calls to Scamwatch through the ACCC, or contact the Australian Cyber Security Centre hotline on 1300 292 371. If money has already changed hands, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 is worth contacting alongside your bank.
Reporting as a Business
Businesses handling customer calls, bookings or payments carry extra exposure, since a successful scam can damage both finances and reputation with clients. Reporting through Scamwatch still applies, and pairing that with internal checks on your phone systems and staff training closes the gap scammers look to exploit.
A Complete Scam Prevention Checklist
- Treat unexpected calls with suspicion
- Hang up and call the organisation back using the number listed on its official website
- Never share a one time PIN, full card number or online banking password over the phone
- Question every request for payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency
- Register your number with the Do Not Call Register
- Update your phone’s operating system regularly
Are Australian Government Doing Anything about Scam Calls?
The Australian Communications and Media Authority requires carriers to detect and block suspected scam traffic before it reaches your phone, and telcos have blocked more than 2.7 billion scam calls since December 2020 under that rule.
The National Anti-Scam Centre, backed by 180 million dollars in government funding, coordinates efforts across banks, telcos, and digital platforms. The Scams Prevention Framework adds legal obligations on top, requiring those sectors to detect and act on scam activity.
Keeping Your Devices Protected Beyond the Phone Call
Blocking a number stops one caller, though the bigger goal is closing the gaps scammers rely on across your devices and accounts.
For households, a privacy and security solution covers device settings, app permissions and network security in one visit.
Business owners managing a fleet of laptops, phones or office systems benefit from endpoint protection that monitors every connected device for suspicious activity, paired with business IT services that keep staff and systems ahead of new scam tactics as they emerge.
Businesses running phone lines through a digital system should also review their VoIP phone setup, since outdated configurations can leave call routing exposed to spoofing.
Stay a Step Ahead of Scammers
Scam calls are not going away, though the steps above put the odds back in your favour, from spotting the warning signs early to setting up the right filters on your phone. V4 IT Services offers privacy and security checks, malware removal and business grade endpoint protection across Australia, with same day appointments available for homes and offices alike. Get in touch for a free quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions
No single official list exists, since numbers change too often for one register to stay accurate. Reverse lookup platforms such as Truecaller, combined with regular checks on Scamwatch for current scam trends, give you a far more reliable picture than any static list ever could.
Open the Phone app, tap the three dots, go to Settings, then Caller ID and spam protection. Turning on spam filtering there silences most flagged numbers automatically, and you can block individual numbers directly from your recent calls list.
Most scam calls copy a bank, government department or delivery company, then push for urgent action. Common asks include one time PINs, gift card payments or remote access to your device, all of which legitimate organisations avoid requesting by phone.
Scamwatch, run by the ACCC, accepts reports from individuals and businesses. Serious cases involving financial loss should also go to your bank directly and, where relevant, to Crime Stoppers or the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
Keeping your operating system updated, avoiding links sent through unexpected calls or messages, and running regular malware checks all reduce your exposure. A professional privacy and security review adds a further layer by catching weak settings you might otherwise miss.
