Telstra launches Scam Protect feature for phone users

Telstra launches Scam Protect feature to help Australians avoid phone scams, enhancing call screening and safety measures.

In Short

Telstra has launched Telstra Scam Protect to help Australians avoid scams, with over 10 million calls flagged since its December 2022 rollout. This free feature provides real-time alerts for suspicious calls, helping users manage incoming calls amid a rising scam crisis.

Telstra is introducing a new feature called Telstra Scam Protect to assist Australians in avoiding scams.

This initiative targets the phone scam crisis, which cost Australians $141 million last year. The feature will help users manage incoming calls by providing warning messages about potential scams.

Since its rollout in December 2022, it has flagged over 10 million calls.

According to Telstra’s consumer executive, the feature displays real-time alerts of suspicious calls.

Scam calls

Research indicates that 42% of Australians are hesitant to answer unknown calls due to scam fears. The data shows a higher reluctance among women and Gen X demographics.

Queenslanders lead the country in avoiding unknown calls, with a hesitancy rate of 47%.

Telstra blocks over 11 million scam calls monthly, but scammers continuously adjust their tactics.

Common scams involve impersonation of well-known institutions. The report highlights that paying attention to caller requests for personal information is crucial.

The new feature provides three alert types: potential fraud, unverified overseas calls, and suspicious calling patterns.

Telstra Scam Protect does not require user activation and is available at no extra cost.