Is this payment text from Afterpay a scam?
Buy-now-pay-later and fintech brands like Afterpay are impersonated with fake account and payment messages. A text, email or app message that looks like it's from Afterpay can be genuine — but it can just as easily be a scam built to look identical. The good news: a few quick checks almost always tell a real Afterpay message from a fake.
Genuine Afterpay links only ever go to afterpay.com, afterpay.com.au. Below is exactly what a real Afterpay message looks like, the scams currently circulating in its name, the red flags that give a fake away, and a real example to compare against. Got a message in front of you? Check it now for an instant verdict.
What a real Afterpay message looks like
Genuine messages from Afterpay only ever link to afterpay.com, afterpay.com.au.
- Genuine Afterpay messages are only ever delivered inside the Afterpay app; the company does not send SMS from its own short codes.
- Afterpay will never ask you to click a link in an SMS or email to fix a payment.
- Any real payment issue appears as an in-app notification first, with the amount and due date shown inside the official Afterpay app.
- Afterpay never sends messages from random mobile numbers or email addresses claiming to be 'support@afterpay.com.au'.
- Account statements and payment reminders are only accessible after you log in directly via the app or afterpay.com.au.
Crucially, Afterpay will never ask you to verify card or login details through a link in a text message.
Common Afterpay scams
- Scammers send SMS claiming a recent Afterpay purchase has failed and include a look-alike link to 'complete payment'.
- Fraudsters pose as Afterpay support and threaten to suspend your account unless you verify card details on a fake site.
- Emails or texts pretend to be a refund or cash-back offer and direct users to enter their Afterpay login on an imposter domain.
Red flags to watch for
- The message arrives as an SMS even though Afterpay only communicates through its app.
- It contains a shortened or misspelt domain such as afterpay-secure-login.com or afterpay-refund.net.
- The text creates urgency by saying your order will be cancelled within hours if you do not act.
- It asks you to enter Afterpay login details or card information on the linked page.
- The sender number is a random Australian mobile rather than an official Afterpay channel.
Scam text examples
Here's a real example of a scam message impersonating Afterpay, with the tell-tale red flags highlighted. Compare it against anything you've received.
Afterpay: Payment of $87.50 for your order failed. To avoid late fees, confirm your card now: https://afterpay-secure-login.com/au/update
What gives it away:
- The message arrives as an SMS even though Afterpay only communicates through its app.
- It contains a shortened or misspelt domain such as afterpay-secure-login.com or afterpay-refund.net.
- The text creates urgency by saying your order will be cancelled within hours if you do not act.
- It asks you to enter Afterpay login details or card information on the linked page.
- The sender number is a random Australian mobile rather than an official Afterpay channel.
Not sure about your message?
Paste the suspicious Afterpay text or email and get an instant scam verdict, free.
How to verify a message from Afterpay
- Open the official Afterpay app and check any notices there first.
- Type afterpay.com.au directly into your browser to log in and view payments.
- Use the in-app Help or Chat function rather than replying to any SMS or email.
Where to report a scam impersonating Afterpay
Received — or fell for — a message impersonating Afterpay? Report it. It helps authorities and carriers shut the campaign down for everyone who gets the next one.
- Scamwatch — Report the scam to the ACCC's national scam service.
- ReportCyber — Report cybercrime and financial loss to the police.
- ACMA — Report scam texts and spam SMS or calls.
- Forward to 7226 (SPAM) — Forward the scam SMS to short code 7226 so your carrier can block the source.
- IDCARE — Free identity and cyber support if your details were taken.
Frequently asked questions
I got a text from Afterpay with a link — is it a scam?
Yes. Afterpay never sends SMS payment links; any such message is fake. Open the Afterpay app directly to check your orders.
How do I know if an Afterpay email is real?
Only emails that arrive after you have logged into the official Afterpay app or website are genuine. Never click links in unsolicited emails.
What should I do if I clicked a fake Afterpay link?
Change your Afterpay password immediately via afterpay.com.au, monitor your linked cards, and report the message at scamwatch.gov.au.
Related scam types
Scams impersonating Afterpay usually fit one of these patterns. Learn how each works:
Related brands
Other fintech names scammers impersonate — check a message from one:
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice — always verify with Afterpay through an official channel.