Unsolicited Calls Australia 2026: How to Protect Yourself from Scams and Nuisance Calls

After a period of relative quiet, unsolicited calls have surged back in Australia. Advances in technology, such as AI-driven robocalling and inexpensive overseas calling services, have made it easier for scammers and telemarketers to reach more people than ever before.

Common types of unsolicited calls include:

• Investment and financial scams
• Calls impersonating government agencies or well-known brands
• Energy provider switching offers
• Persistent insurance sales pitches

Certain groups are more frequently targeted, such as seniors, new migrants, small business owners, and anyone with a publicly listed phone number. A growing concern is the use of AI voice cloning, which allows scammers to convincingly imitate the voices of trusted brands or even people you know, making it harder to spot a scam.

Australian regulators and telecommunications providers have introduced several new measures to help reduce the impact of unsolicited calls. Here’s what’s changed this year:

Network-Level Scam Blocking

Telecommunications companies are now required to block known scam numbers at the network level. Major carriers have introduced AI-powered call screening, which can automatically flag suspicious calls for customers.

Improved Do Not Call Register

The national Do Not Call Register has been updated. Once you register your number, it remains on the list indefinitely, so you don’t need to re-register every few years. Telemarketers who breach the rules now face higher penalties, making it riskier for them to ignore the register.

Mandatory Caller ID

From July 2026, all telemarketing and fundraising calls must display a registered Australian caller ID. Calls that come from blocked or spoofed numbers can be reported for investigation, and penalties for masking caller IDs have increased.

These changes are designed to make it easier for consumers to identify legitimate calls and report suspicious activity, helping authorities to act more quickly against scammers.

While new rules and technology offer more protection, your own actions are still crucial. Here are some practical strategies to help you minimise unwanted calls and protect your information:

Register Your Number

Add your phone numbers to the Do Not Call Register. This is a free service that reduces the number of telemarketing calls you receive. If you change your number or provider, make sure your new details are registered.

Use Call-Blocking Features

Most smartphones and carriers now include call-blocking or call-screening features. You can use these to block specific numbers or filter out calls from unknown or suspicious sources. There are also third-party apps available in Australia that offer additional filtering options.

Be Cautious with Personal Information

Never share personal or financial information with anyone who calls you unexpectedly, even if they claim to be from a trusted organisation. Scammers can be very convincing, especially with new technology that mimics familiar voices.

Verify Before Responding

If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from your bank, a government agency, or another official organisation, hang up and call back using the official number listed on their website or your account documents. This simple step can help you avoid falling for impersonation scams.

Report Suspicious Calls

If you receive a suspicious or scam call, report it to the relevant authorities. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) provides an online reporting tool, and your bank or financial institution will have a fraud hotline. Reporting helps authorities track and shut down scam operations more quickly.

For Business Owners

If you run a business, consider using a virtual receptionist or a call screening service. These services can help filter out nuisance calls before they reach you or your staff, saving time and reducing the risk of scams.

Despite new protections, scammers continue to adapt their tactics. AI-driven voice technology and caller ID spoofing make it harder to distinguish between genuine and fraudulent calls. That’s why it’s important to stay informed about the latest trends and to use all available tools to protect yourself.

• Stay alert: Be wary of unsolicited calls, especially those requesting personal or financial information.
• Educate others: Share information about scam calls with family, friends, and colleagues, especially those who may be more vulnerable.
• Update your technology: Make sure your phone’s software is up to date and take advantage of new call-blocking features as they become available.

Unsolicited calls are unlikely to disappear completely, as scammers and aggressive marketers continue to find new ways to reach Australians. However, with stronger regulations, better technology, and increased public awareness, it’s now easier than ever to protect yourself.

By taking a few simple steps—registering your number, using call-blocking tools, being cautious with your information, and reporting suspicious calls—you can significantly reduce your risk and help authorities crack down on nuisance and scam callers.

For more information on protecting your finances and staying safe from scams, visit our finance section.