The ACMA is warning Australians about scams where criminals take over mobile phone numbers by first hacking email accounts.
Here’s how it works: scammers get someone’s email login details in different ways (such as email scams or data leaks). Once inside, the scammer takes control of mobile numbers by pretending to be the account owner. They can then often get into banking, government and other critical accounts.
Warning signs
Watch out for signs your email has been compromised, such as:
- unexpected alerts about changes to your email or mobile account
- you receive verification codes that you didn’t request
- you notice account login attempts or password reset emails you didn’t initiate
- you lose mobile service unexpectedly (no signal or “SOS only”).
The good news is you can stop scammers from using your email to steal your mobile number by turning on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
MFA adds an extra layer of security to your email account. Even if someone gets your password, they won’t be able to log in without a second step—like a code sent to your phone or an app.
How to set up MFA:
- Log in to your email account.
- Go to your account settings.
- Find the security section and turn on Multi-Factor Authentication.
- Use a trusted method like an authenticator app, passkey, or SMS code.
Protecting your email protects your mobile number—and your identity.
If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your bank immediately to stop any payments and tell your telco. Remember to Stop. Check. Protect.
You can also help other Australians by reporting scams to ScamWatch. Reporting scams and talking about them not only helps to understand what happened but also informs authorities about scammer activities so that they can make it harder for scams to occur.
Get informed:
- ACMA’s tips for dealing with phone scams.
- Scamwatch’s advice about protecting yourself.
- IDCARE can help if your identity has been compromised or stolen. Call 1800 595 160 or visit www.idcare.org.
- Use our phone scam educational materials, which include posters in English, 10 other languages and for First Nations Australians, and graphics for social media.
The ACMA supports the government’s Fighting Scams initiative to address scams and online fraud and protect Australians from financial harm. We also support the work of the National Anti-Scam Centre, which coordinates government, law enforcement and the private sector to combat scams.