Telstra’s SMS scam filters continue to block millions of scam messages, with over 225 million scam text messages blocked since April 2022 and approximately 775 malicious texts blocked every minute.
In July, Telstra talked about the results of its new SMS scam blocking feature, which in the preceding three months since it was launched, had blocked over 185 million scam text messages.
Telstra Asia Pacific CISO Narelle Devine says since April, scam messages blocked have included lures to install malware on mobile devices invitations to hand over personal details to scammers, and impersonation scams requesting financial data.
“Each one of these 225 million scams blocked reduces the chance of Australians falling victim to one of these.”
“It’s also a reminder that scammers are persistent and target just about everyone with a mobile number when it comes to their campaigns – especially as we enjoy our Christmas and New Year breaks,” says Devine.
“Just like many of us look forward to the holidays, so do scammers. With loads of new gadgets needing to be set up online at the moment, more toll roads travelled for holidays and a huge amount of online shopping deliveries – these all provide more opportunities for scammers to seize on.” she said.
Other scams Telsta have blocked include include impersonation scams designed to trick you into providing personal information or even your financial data (like your credit card numbers) to a fraudulent website
Similarly, the telco is seeing an increasing number of bank scams, fake toll notice scams, and fake job offer scams come through it’s network.
Telstra says it’s SMS blocking system is just one way it attempts to protect it’s customers from scams. “With hundreds of millions of scam calls and emails across Bigpond email accounts also blocked by our systems over 2022,” it said
Telstra Keeps Customers Safe With Cleaner Pipes Program.
According to Devine the good news is that there is no need for end users and customers to do anything in order activate any of the protections under it’s Cleaner Pipes program. They’re automatically turned on across the Telstra network.
“If you want a little extra help keeping yourself and your family safe online, we’ve also partnered with McAfee on our new Device Security product.”
“For a low monthly fee you will get added protection from known viruses, malware, phishing scams and identity theft across 10 devices.” she said.
