Is this donation request from Beyond Blue a scam?
Scammers exploit people's generosity by posing as trusted charities like Beyond Blue, especially after disasters and during major appeals. A donation request, text or email that looks like it's from Beyond Blue 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 Beyond Blue message from a fake.
Genuine Beyond Blue links only ever go to beyondblue.org.au. Below is exactly what a real Beyond Blue 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 Beyond Blue message looks like
Genuine messages from Beyond Blue only ever link to beyondblue.org.au.
- Genuine Beyond Blue messages come from beyondblue.org.au or the organisation’s verified social accounts.
- Beyond Blue never sends unsolicited SMS donation requests.
- All official fundraising appeals direct donors to beyondblue.org.au only.
- Emails from the charity carry the verified beyondblue.org.au domain and a clear privacy statement.
- The charity’s support line is listed on every official communication and on beyondblue.org.au.
Crucially, Beyond Blue will never pressure you to donate instantly via gift cards, cryptocurrency or a transfer to a personal account — you can verify any charity on the ACNC register.
Common Beyond Blue scams
- Scammers create fake donation pages that mimic Beyond Blue’s branding and ask for card details.
- Fraudsters send emails claiming to be Beyond Blue fundraising campaigns with links to bogus payment sites.
- Fake social-media posts and DMs impersonate Beyond Blue and push urgent donation drives to cloned websites.
Red flags to watch for
- The message or link uses a domain other than beyondblue.org.au.
- You receive an unsolicited SMS asking for a donation.
- The email contains urgent language such as “donate in the next hour” or “match ends today”.
- The sender asks you to click a shortened link or enter card details on an unfamiliar page.
- The communication has spelling errors or inconsistent Beyond Blue branding.
Scam text examples
Here's a real example of a scam message impersonating Beyond Blue, with the tell-tale red flags highlighted. Compare it against anything you've received.
Subject: Urgent: Triple your gift before midnight Hi, this is Beyond Blue. Due to an anonymous donor your next gift will be matched 3x. Please complete your donation here: beyondblue-donate-secure.com before the offer closes.
What gives it away:
- The message or link uses a domain other than beyondblue.org.au.
- You receive an unsolicited SMS asking for a donation.
- The email contains urgent language such as “donate in the next hour” or “match ends today”.
- The sender asks you to click a shortened link or enter card details on an unfamiliar page.
- The communication has spelling errors or inconsistent Beyond Blue branding.
Not sure about your message?
Paste the suspicious Beyond Blue text or email and get an instant scam verdict, free.
How to verify a message from Beyond Blue
- Support line: 1300 22 4636
- Donate at beyondblue.org.au
Where to report a scam impersonating Beyond Blue
Received — or fell for — a message impersonating Beyond Blue? 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 an email asking me to donate to Beyond Blue via a link — is it a scam?
Only donate through beyondblue.org.au. Any other link is not from the real charity.
Does Beyond Blue ever send SMS donation requests?
No. Beyond Blue does not send unsolicited SMS messages asking for donations.
How can I check if a Beyond Blue donation page is real?
Type beyondblue.org.au yourself into your browser and navigate to the donate section; never click links in messages.
Where should I report a fake Beyond Blue fundraising message?
Report it at scamwatch.gov.au and, if you clicked a link or entered details, contact IDCARE on 1300 432 273.
Related scam types
Scams impersonating Beyond Blue usually fit one of these patterns. Learn how each works:
Related brands
Other charity names scammers impersonate — check a message from one:
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice — always verify with Beyond Blue through an official channel.