Telcos are working hard to stop scam text messages reaching you but they need your help. See how to report these dodgy messages.
Combatting SMS scams is a collective effort, and Telstra needs your help! In May, Telstra introduced a new reporting number to tackle SMS scams on their network. They have made significant progress in their fight against scammers, but there’s still more that we can all do to enhance our defenses. Let’s take a closer look at what to watch out for in scam SMS and MMS messages.
Telstra has observed that while some SMS and email scams are easy to spot with typos and obvious demands for personal information or payments, others are well-crafted and avoid these typical red flags. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, constantly changing their techniques. What may have been the same scam message for weeks in the past can now change within minutes.
Therefore, the best defense against scams is to maintain a healthy dose of skepticism towards any unexpected communication, regardless of the claimed sender. It can sometimes be challenging to differentiate between legitimate and illegitimate messages, but here are a few pointers to help you:
- Be wary of unexpected SMS messages that request your personal details, advertise promotional material, or ask you to click on a link.
- Look out for numbers starting with an international code other than +61 (Australia’s country code), unless you are expecting contact from overseas.
- Beware of SMS promises of unexpected prizes that require you to send money to claim them.
- Be cautious of SMS messages urging you to tap a link, as it may prompt you to install software or an application on your mobile device. Malicious software can compromise your phone’s security and personal information.
Remember, when in doubt, reach out! If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of a message, call the sender’s official number to verify if it is genuine or a scam. By staying vigilant and reporting suspicious messages promptly, we can collectively combat SMS scams and protect ourselves from potential harm.
Together, we can make a difference in creating a safer mobile environment. Let’s join forces with Telstra and stay one step ahead of scammers!
How to Report a Text Message Scam
As scam text messages continue to plague mobile users, telecommunication companies are stepping up their efforts to combat this issue. However, they need the assistance of users to effectively identify and stop such fraudulent messages. In this article, we will explore how to report text message scams and play our part in keeping our mobile devices secure.
When encountering a suspicious text message, it is important to take prompt action to protect yourself and others from falling victim to scams. Here are some steps to follow when reporting a text message scam:
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Don’t engage: First and foremost, avoid responding or clicking on any links within the suspicious message. Engaging with scammers could potentially compromise your personal information or device security.
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Forward the message: Depending on your mobile provider, Telstra customers can forward the scam text message to 7726 (SPAM). This universal number helps wireless providers identify similar fraudulent messages and take appropriate action.
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Report to authorities: File a complaint with relevant authorities.
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Use carrier-specific reporting: Many mobile carriers offer ways to report spam texts directly. Check your carrier’s website or support documentation for instructions on reporting scam messages. For example, Telstra allows users to report spam messages through their website or by forwarding them to 7726.
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Utilize device-specific reporting: Both iPhone and Android devices have built-in features to report spam or junk messages. On an iPhone, you can tap and hold the spam message, then select “Report Junk” or scroll to the bottom of the message and tap “Report Junk” if the message is already open. On Android phones, you can tap and hold the message, follow the prompts to block and report the message as spam.
By actively reporting text message scams, you contribute to the collective effort in combating fraudulent activities and protecting yourself and others from potential harm. Remember to exercise caution and remain vigilant when it comes to unsolicited messages.
Telecommunication companies are continuously working on advanced filtering systems to detect and block scam messages. However, your active participation through reporting plays a crucial role in helping them identify emerging patterns and take appropriate action.
In conclusion, staying informed about how to report text message scams empowers us to protect ourselves and contribute to the overall security of the mobile ecosystem. By promptly reporting suspicious messages, we can help telecommunication companies improve their defenses against scammers and create a safer environment for all mobile users.
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