Is this donation request from The Smith Family a scam?
Scammers exploit people's generosity by posing as trusted charities like The Smith Family, especially after disasters and during major appeals. A donation request, text or email that looks like it's from The Smith Family 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 The Smith Family message from a fake.
Genuine The Smith Family links only ever go to thesmithfamily.com.au. Below is exactly what a real The Smith Family 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 The Smith Family message looks like
Genuine messages from The Smith Family only ever link to thesmithfamily.com.au.
- Genuine messages about The Smith Family sponsorship come only from thesmithfamily.com.au addresses
- The charity never sends SMS messages using its own name as a sender ID
- Real Learning for Life child sponsorship is arranged exclusively through thesmithfamily.com.au
- Donation receipts and updates arrive from verified thesmithfamily.com.au email addresses
- The Smith Family does not cold-contact Australians asking for immediate sponsorship payments via SMS
Crucially, The Smith Family 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 The Smith Family scams
- Scammers send SMS pretending to be The Smith Family offering quick child sponsorship sign-up with a link
- Fraudsters create lookalike sites ending in -secure-sponsor.com or -give-now.net claiming to process donations for The Smith Family
- Emails impersonating the charity ask recipients to confirm or update sponsorship details on a fake domain
Red flags to watch for
- SMS or email contains a shortened link or domain that is not thesmithfamily.com.au
- Message creates urgency by saying a child's sponsorship will lapse unless you click now
- Sender asks for card details or personal information outside the official thesmithfamily.com.au site
- Email address does not end in @thesmithfamily.com.au
- Text claims to be from The Smith Family but arrives from an unknown mobile number with no prior contact
Scam text examples
Here's a real example of a scam message impersonating The Smith Family, with the tell-tale red flags highlighted. Compare it against anything you've received.
The Smith Family: Your sponsored child's Learning for Life program needs urgent renewal. Secure your spot here: thesmithfamily-secure-sponsor.com/renew
What gives it away:
- SMS or email contains a shortened link or domain that is not thesmithfamily.com.au
- Message creates urgency by saying a child's sponsorship will lapse unless you click now
- Sender asks for card details or personal information outside the official thesmithfamily.com.au site
- Email address does not end in @thesmithfamily.com.au
- Text claims to be from The Smith Family but arrives from an unknown mobile number with no prior contact
Not sure about your message?
Paste the suspicious The Smith Family text or email and get an instant scam verdict, free.
How to verify a message from The Smith Family
- Sponsor at thesmithfamily.com.au
- Call 1800 024 069
Where to report a scam impersonating The Smith Family
Received — or fell for — a message impersonating The Smith Family? 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 an SMS about sponsoring a child with The Smith Family — is it real?
The Smith Family does not send sponsorship offers by SMS. Only use thesmithfamily.com.au to set up or manage sponsorship.
How do I know if an email claiming to be from The Smith Family is genuine?
Check that the sender address ends in @thesmithfamily.com.au and that any links point only to thesmithfamily.com.au. Report suspicious messages to scamwatch.gov.au.
What should I do if I clicked a link in a fake The Smith Family message?
Visit cyber.gov.au for steps to secure your device and report the incident. Contact your bank immediately if you entered card details.
Is the phone number 1800 024 069 the correct contact for The Smith Family?
Yes, that number is listed by the charity. Use it or go to thesmithfamily.com.au rather than replying to any SMS or email.
Related scam types
Scams impersonating The Smith Family 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 The Smith Family through an official channel.