Tech

Beware the savvy scammer – Telstra Scam data and warning to Aussies

I think we’ve all known it, those scammers are a savvy bunch. They aren’t just evil people with a cunning idea any more, they are professional businesses looking for new ways to scam you, and our Telcos are doing a lot to prevent it – but those scammers are finding new and innovative ways to catch you out!

There’s good news though, according to the National Anti-Scam Centre, scam losses dropped 25% last year with overall reporting down 17% – so something’s working.

A lot of those reduced reports can be attributed to the work our telcos are doing, and Telstra’s latest data shows they blocked on average 18 million phone calls every month last financial year.

At the same time another 8 million scam text messages were blocked. Telstra’s newer call “flagging” technology which doesn’t block the calls but makes it clear to the recipient that Telstra suspects something – also flagged 56 million calls since November.

Problem is, those scammers are finding new ways.

Think about this, the advice for years has been to lookout for those scammy text messages with links in them trying to trap you and trick you.

Well now, it seems, scammers are moving to text threads, and they’re being more conversational – even less urgent.

Problem there is, by simply replying “Yes” you are validating your phone number – just like answering a call, and then saying hello to a scammer.

When they know you’re real, your number’s value increases and you’ll start getting more and more scam messages and calls.

The advice overall, is still to take a step back. Don’t respond fast, think about it. Always consider the concept of it’s too good to be true, and use the tools available to you. Every smartphone should be protected by Internet Security it’s an extra layer of help for you – to save you being ripped off.

Recent Posts

  • Tech

The Kogan XPRESSO Dual Screen Portable Monitor made my travel setup feel like home!

I travel a lot, people know that, and while some think it's all sight seeing…

5 hours ago
  • Lifestyle

LG wins numerous honours at IFA’s inaugural Innovation Awards

LG have won a staggering 17 awards at the inaugural Innovation Awards at IFA 2025…

20 hours ago
  • Lifestyle

Keeping you and your supplies cool this summer thanks to EcoFlow

There’s camping, there’s glamping but EcoFlow takes the great outdoors to a whole new level…

23 hours ago
  • Tech

I’m heading to Apple HQ for their iPhone event – here’s what I’m expecting

I've touched down in San Francisco after a flight from Berlin for the biggest event…

1 day ago
  • Tech

Lenovo shows of new Legion Go gaming handheld and new AI powered devices

Lenovo has unveiled their latest suite of AI-Powered Devices and Experiences at IFA, with new…

1 day ago
  • Tech

ACER unveils new Nitro and Predator gaming devices at IFA

It’s not just home appliances being announced at Europe’s largest consumer electronics show, with ACER…

1 day ago