Is this bill or text from Optus a scam?
Telcos like Optus are impersonated with fake bill, refund and account-suspension messages designed to rush you into clicking. A text, email or call that looks like it's from Optus 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 Optus message from a fake.
Genuine Optus links only ever go to optus.com.au. Below is exactly what a real Optus 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 Optus message looks like
Genuine SMS from Optus typically arrive under the sender ID Optus or OPTUS, and real links only ever go to optus.com.au.
- Genuine Optus SMS messages use sender ID 'Optus' or 'OPTUS' only.
- Optus never sends a link in an SMS asking you to upload identity documents.
- Billing and account notices from Optus come from optus.com.au addresses or the My Optus app.
- Optus does not send surprise reward or upgrade links that require immediate login.
Crucially, Optus will never threaten to disconnect your service within hours unless you click a link or pay immediately.
Common Optus scams
- SMS claiming you have a rewards voucher or bill credit that links to a fake login page on a lookalike domain such as optus-secure-login.com.
- Post-breach 'verify your identity' texts that ask you to upload a driver's licence or passport photo through an SMS link.
- Messages pretending to be from Optus Billing warning of account suspension and directing you to a phishing site on optus-billing.net.
Red flags to watch for
- Sender ID is anything other than Optus or OPTUS.
- The message contains a link asking you to verify identity or claim a reward.
- Urgent language about account suspension or loss of service.
- Requests for personal ID documents via an SMS link.
Scam text examples
Here's a real example of a scam message impersonating Optus, with the tell-tale red flags highlighted. Compare it against anything you've received.
Optus: Your account has been flagged for verification after recent activity. Upload your ID now at optus-secure-login.com to keep your service active.
What gives it away:
- Sender ID is anything other than Optus or OPTUS.
- The message contains a link asking you to verify identity or claim a reward.
- Urgent language about account suspension or loss of service.
- Requests for personal ID documents via an SMS link.
Not sure about your message?
Paste the suspicious Optus text or email and get an instant scam verdict, free.
How to verify a message from Optus
- Log in via the My Optus app or type optus.com.au yourself.
- Check messages inside the official My Optus app rather than clicking SMS links.
Where to report a scam impersonating Optus
Received — or fell for — a message impersonating Optus? 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 Optus with a link asking me to verify my ID — is it a scam?
Yes. Optus will never ask you to upload identity documents through an SMS link. Delete the message and report it to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au.
How do I know if an Optus SMS is real?
Check that the sender ID is exactly 'Optus' or 'OPTUS', and never click links in the message. Instead, open the My Optus app or visit optus.com.au yourself to check your account.
Optus scam text about a rewards voucher — what should I do?
Ignore it. Optus does not send SMS links for rewards or upgrades. Forward the message to 7226 and report it at scamwatch.gov.au.
Related scam types
Scams impersonating Optus usually fit one of these patterns. Learn how each works:
Related brands
Other telco names scammers impersonate — check a message from one:
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice — always verify with Optus through an official channel.