Australia’s Scam Numbers You Should Block –Cybersecurity Guide

• 16/Jul/2025
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receiving calls from unknown numbers? You’re not alone. A Commonwealth Bank report revealed that Australians face over 250 scam attempts each year, and phone calls remain one of the most common attack methods.

At Cyberhaven Technologies, we help individuals and businesses in Hobart stay protected from phone-based scams. This guide outlines how to detect, block, and prevent scam calls before they lead to financial loss or identity theft.

Why Scam Calls Are Increasing in Australia

Scammers continue to target Australian phone users for one reason—they succeed. In 2023, Australians lost $2.7 billion to scams. Many of these begin with a simple phone call.

Contributing factors include:

• Caller ID spoofing that makes foreign calls appear local
• Leaked phone numbers sold on the dark web
• Automated dialers identifying active mobile numbers

Scammers operate at scale, making it essential to know how to identify and block these calls.

There Is No Official Government List of Scam Numbers

Unfortunately, Australia does not maintain a public database of scam phone numbers. However, there are effective tools available to identify suspicious callers:

• Use Truecaller or reverse lookup services to check unfamiliar numbers
• Calls starting with 0480 036 XXX are frequently reported as scams, though not all are fraudulent
• Search unknown numbers online before calling back

How to Block Scam Calls on Android and iPhone

Android Devices:

1. Open the Phone app
2. Tap the three dots in the top right corner
3. Select Settings > Caller ID & Spam
4. Enable See caller and spam ID
5. Turn on Filter spam calls

Some Android phones, including Samsung, offer a built-in tool called Smart Call for additional spam filtering.

iPhone (iOS) Devices:

1. Go to Settings > Phone
2. Enable Silence Unknown Callers

Note: Apple’s default spam filtering is limited. For added protection, install a third-party app like Truecaller.

How to Minimise Scam Calls in the Future

• Avoid answering unfamiliar numbers. If it’s important, the caller will leave a voicemail or send an SMS
• Do not engage with callers who seem suspicious
• Use Google to verify unknown phone numbers
• Register your number on the Do Not Call Register to reduce legitimate marketing calls

Answering scam calls signals to scammers that your number is active, which may result in more frequent attempts.

What the Government Is Doing to Combat Scam Calls

Several national initiatives are in place to reduce scam activity:

• The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has helped block over 2.1 billion scam calls
• The National Anti-Scam Centre has been allocated $180 million to combat fraud
• The Scams Prevention Framework Bill 2025 will require key industries to detect and report scams
• You can report scam activity to Scamwatch, the Australian Cyber Security Centre, or Crime Stoppers

Scam Call Prevention Tips

To better protect yourself and your business:

• Be cautious of calls requesting personal or financial details
• Never share one-time PINs or verification codes over the phone
• Hang up immediately on any call involving urgency or threats
• Verify the caller by contacting the institution using official channels
• Do not trust anyone who asks for payment via cryptocurrency or gift cards

Cybersecurity Support in Hobart

Cyberhaven Technologies provides reliable scam protection and cybersecurity services to Hobart residents and businesses. Our team can assist with phone security, scam filtering, device audits, and ongoing digital protection.

Contact Cyberhaven Technologies

For cybersecurity assessments, scam call protection, or mobile setup assistance in Hobart:

Phone: (03) 6164 8899
Emergency: 0452 499 995
Email: support@cyberhaven.com.au

We help you stay protected, informed, and in control of your digital security.