Is this security alert from Samsung a scam?
Tech companies like Samsung are impersonated with fake security-alert, account-locked and subscription-renewal scams. A text, email or pop-up alert that looks like it's from Samsung 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 Samsung message from a fake.
Genuine Samsung links only ever go to samsung.com, samsung.com.au. Below is exactly what a real Samsung 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 Samsung message looks like
Genuine messages from Samsung only ever link to samsung.com, samsung.com.au.
- Genuine Samsung Australia messages are sent from samsung.com.au or samsung.com email addresses only.
- Samsung never sends marketing or account emails from random Gmail, Outlook or Yahoo addresses.
- Official Samsung Australia communications use the exact spelling Samsung Australia in the sender name.
- Samsung Australia never asks you to click a link to claim a free phone, tablet or accessory.
- Real Samsung warranty or repair updates are sent only after you have logged a request through the official site or app.
Crucially, Samsung will never ask for your password or a verification code, or demand remote access to 'fix' or 'secure' your account.
Common Samsung scams
- Scammers create Facebook and Instagram posts offering free Samsung Galaxy phones or watches if you share the post and message them.
- Fraudsters sell counterfeit Samsung chargers, earbuds and cases on Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree at prices well below normal retail.
- Emails claiming your Samsung account has been locked or your device needs an urgent security update contain links to phishing sites hosted on lookalike domains.
Red flags to watch for
- A message or post from Samsung asking you to DM them or click a link to claim a prize.
- An accessory listed at a fraction of the RRP with pressure to pay via bank transfer or gift cards.
- An email that claims to be from Samsung but arrives from a domain other than samsung.com or samsung.com.au.
- A seller who cannot provide an Australian tax invoice or genuine Samsung warranty documentation.
- Any request to download an app or enter your Samsung account password to verify a giveaway win.
Scam text examples
Here's a real example of a scam message impersonating Samsung, with the tell-tale red flags highlighted. Compare it against anything you've received.
Hi, you've been selected for our Samsung Australia giveaway! To claim your free Galaxy S24 reply with your postcode or visit samsung-giveaway-claim.net/au before midnight.
What gives it away:
- A message or post from Samsung asking you to DM them or click a link to claim a prize.
- An accessory listed at a fraction of the RRP with pressure to pay via bank transfer or gift cards.
- An email that claims to be from Samsung but arrives from a domain other than samsung.com or samsung.com.au.
- A seller who cannot provide an Australian tax invoice or genuine Samsung warranty documentation.
- Any request to download an app or enter your Samsung account password to verify a giveaway win.
Not sure about your message?
Paste the suspicious Samsung text or email and get an instant scam verdict, free.
How to verify a message from Samsung
- Type samsung.com.au directly into your browser and log in via the official Samsung Members app.
- Use the Contact Us form on samsung.com.au under Support.
Where to report a scam impersonating Samsung
Received — or fell for — a message impersonating Samsung? 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 Facebook message saying I won a Samsung phone — is it a scam?
Samsung Australia does not run giveaways through Facebook DMs. Delete the message and report the account.
Is this Samsung email asking me to verify my account real?
Only emails from @samsung.com or @samsung.com.au are genuine. Do not click links; instead type samsung.com.au yourself and check your account status.
How do I check if a cheap Samsung charger on Marketplace is fake?
Samsung accessories bought far below RRP from unknown sellers are often counterfeit. Buy only from authorised Australian retailers listed on samsung.com.au.
Where can I report a fake Samsung giveaway post?
Report the post directly on the platform, then forward details to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au.
Related scam types
Scams impersonating Samsung usually fit one of these patterns. Learn how each works:
Related brands
Other tech names scammers impersonate — check a message from one:
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice — always verify with Samsung through an official channel.