50k SMS ‘scams’ blocked in just three months

The number of potentially dodgy SMS messages blocked by Telstra has skyrocketed, with 50,000 ‘scams’ reported to the telco - including some rather bizarre pictures.

The number of potentially dodgy SMS messages blocked by Telstra has skyrocketed, with 50,000 ‘scams’ reported to the telco in just three months - including some rather bizarre pictures.

Telstra launched its ‘snitch on scammers’ national reporting number in May allowing phone users to immediately flag texts they think could be malicious.

This picture was flagged as being a potential 'scam'. Image: Telstra

But some security-conscious users have had kneejerk reactions to harmless images they’ve been sent, with food delivery pictures, cows in a paddock and a pair of yellow tractors among those sent to Telstra.

Telstra’s Cyber Security Expert Darren Pauli said while some fraudulent texts were still hard to spot, many had common themes.

“Most scams convey a false sense of urgency, enticing you to act now or face a consequence,” he said.

“Be wary of unexpected SMS messages asking for your personal details, advertising promotional material or asking you to tap a link.

“They often but don’t need to have typos and broken grammar, so it is important to stay sceptical of all unexpected communication, regardless of the platform.”

This picture was flagged as being a potential 'scam'. Image: Telstra

Mr Pauli said some of the flagged texts turned out to be completely harmless, making it often challenging for cyber specialists to identify real patterns and problems.

People who do suspect they have received a scam message can simply forward on the text to the hotline on 7226.

“Research earlier in the year found over half of Australians who have been scammed admit that they know they should pay better attention to their cyber security but are unsure how to go about it,” Mr Pauli said.

This picture was flagged as being a potential 'scam'. Image: Telstra