Is this order or prize text from Coles a scam?
Scammers impersonate trusted retailers like Coles with fake order-problem, prize and gift-card messages. A text, email or message that looks like it's from Coles 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 Coles message from a fake.
Genuine Coles links only ever go to coles.com.au, flybuys.com.au. Below is exactly what a real Coles 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 Coles message looks like
Genuine messages from Coles only ever link to coles.com.au, flybuys.com.au.
- Genuine Coles or flybuys messages never include clickable links and direct customers to log in via the official Coles app or by manually typing coles.com.au or flybuys.com.au.
- Coles supermarket receipts and flybuys statements always reference your actual recent in-store or online purchases from Coles or Liquorland.
- Flybuys balance updates come through the flybuys.com.au member portal or the Coles app, never via an urgent SMS demanding immediate action.
- Coles never sends SMS from random short codes asking you to confirm personal details or redeem points.
Crucially, Coles will never tell you that you've won a prize you didn't enter, or ask for card details to 'release' an order, over SMS.
Common Coles scams
- SMS claiming your flybuys points are about to expire and urging you to click a link to claim them before they are lost.
- Messages pretending to be from Coles offering bonus flybuys points if you enter your card details on a fake website.
- Texts stating a Coles online order has a delivery problem and directing you to a link to reschedule or pay extra fees.
Red flags to watch for
- Any SMS or email that contains a link and claims urgent action is needed to save flybuys points.
- Messages that ask you to enter your flybuys card number, password or banking details on a webpage.
- Sender IDs that are long random numbers or names that do not match your usual Coles app notifications.
- Requests to download an attachment or visit a site other than flybuys.com.au or coles.com.au to check your balance.
Scam text examples
Here's a real example of a scam message impersonating Coles, with the tell-tale red flags highlighted. Compare it against anything you've received.
Coles: Your flybuys points expire in 48 hours. Claim them now at coles-flybuys-secure.com.au before they are lost.
What gives it away:
- Any SMS or email that contains a link and claims urgent action is needed to save flybuys points.
- Messages that ask you to enter your flybuys card number, password or banking details on a webpage.
- Sender IDs that are long random numbers or names that do not match your usual Coles app notifications.
- Requests to download an attachment or visit a site other than flybuys.com.au or coles.com.au to check your balance.
Not sure about your message?
Paste the suspicious Coles text or email and get an instant scam verdict, free.
How to verify a message from Coles
- Log in directly at flybuys.com.au or through the official Coles app to view your points balance.
- Type coles.com.au or flybuys.com.au into your browser yourself rather than following any link in a message.
Where to report a scam impersonating Coles
Received — or fell for — a message impersonating Coles? 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 received a text saying my flybuys points are expiring — is this a Coles scam?
Coles and flybuys do not send SMS links about point expiry. Check your balance only by visiting flybuys.com.au directly or opening the Coles app.
How do I know if a Coles or flybuys message is real?
Real communications never contain links and will only reference activity from your actual Coles or Liquorland purchases. Verify everything by logging in at flybuys.com.au yourself.
What should I do if I clicked a link in a fake Coles SMS?
Change your flybuys password immediately via flybuys.com.au, monitor your linked bank accounts, and report the message at scamwatch.gov.au.
Related scam types
Scams impersonating Coles usually fit one of these patterns. Learn how each works:
Related brands
Other retail names scammers impersonate — check a message from one:
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice — always verify with Coles through an official channel.