Mobile phone scammers are using the FIFA World Cup to tempt Australians into providing their personal banking details in exchange for millions of dollars in phantom prizes.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has detected a number of scams related to the international football event.

"These types of messages typically come in waves and play on a person's topical interest in the event as a hook," ACMA chairman Chris Chapman said in a statement.

Three major World Cup scams are being circulated via SMS:

"Congratulations from Fifa (sic) World Cup Promo you won $1,000,000.00 contact our agent to claim your prize Mr Fred Samuel Email: (email address)"

"Your mobile number has won $100,000 and to watch the finals live at the FIFA WORLD CUP PROMO REF: SA3T10.send email to (email address) or call: (phone number)"

"This is to confirm your cell have won US$5.8M for FIFA 2010 International Award. To claim contact Mrs. Martins via: (email address)"

ACMA recommends recipients ignore such messages and should never provide their banking or personal details.

"Even if money is not taken from your account, this information might be used to steal your identity in the future," Mr Chapman said.

Recipients of SMS spam can forward it to "Spam SMS" on 0429 999 888 or report it online at

www.spam.acma.gov.au.

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