Telstra Scam Protect Messaging on Mobile Phones Dec '24
Just before Christmas 2024, Telstra has released Scam Protect throughout their Network including their resellers.
In our opinion this will have big consequences across all other providers that send calls to Telstra network, due to the fact, that they will tag incoming calls on certain behaviours (x amounts of minutes connected plus amount of x calls per day). For example, a Transport Company or a legit business with high volume of short calls, will most likely be tagged a SCAM on the Telstra Network.
In our opinion this is poorly designed system, as we already starting seeing small businesses complaining via online forums here
But what is Scam Protect from Telstra?
Link - https://www.telstra.com.au/connected/cyber-security-and-safety/protect-yourself-from-scam-calls (mid way down the page)
Telstra have introduced their new Suspicious Call Indicator (SCI), called Scam Protect and have indicated that been implemented across their Network throughout December 2024.
Scam Protect is Telstra’s Suspicious Call Indicator (SCI) initiative developed to assist the mitigation of SCAM and Fraud Calling. It uses a series of calling prompts to alert end users of the suspected nature of the call, which are displayed across a series of messages, if supported by the end user’s mobile device.
Three messages may be displayed as per below:
Warning: Potential Fraud
This warning message is displayed for suspicious high-risk calls or calls that have a higher risk of being a SCAM or Spam. It helps customer stay alert and cautious before answering the call.
Unverified: Overseas Call
This warning message indicates that the incoming call is originating from outside Australia. This warning is intended to alert customers to the potential risks associated with calls originating from outside Australia, for spam or fraudulent activity.
Warning: Suspicious Calling Pattern
The warning message appears when Telstra detects an unusual calling pattern that might indicate spam or fraud. This warning alerts you to be cautious before answering the call.
The below image demonstrate examples of how these warnings may appear on an end user’s handset. Please note that different devices may result in variation of appearance.
Can I Opt out?
Telstra indicated that at this time, there is no option for individual customers to opt out of receiving the warnings, as these are part of the overall security and identification enhancements deployed by Telstra.
