Telstra scam calls and texts: how to spot a fake and where to report
Quick answer
Scammers pretend to be Telstra, often saying your internet or computer has been hacked. Telstra says it never calls unprompted to ask for remote access or your sensitive details. Hang up, forward scam texts to 7226 and report calls to Scamwatch.
- Comes by
- Phone call, Text, Email
- Pretends to be
- Telstra
- Last updated
How it works
Scamwatch and Telstra describe cold callers who say they are from Telstra Technical Support. They claim your IP address or computer has been hacked, or that your internet will be cut off.
They offer to fix it, often for a fee, and ask you to download software that gives them remote access to your computer. Some try to get you to help "catch a hacker". They may quote fake Telstra employee or account numbers, or give a fake Telstra number that puts you back on the line with the scammer.
Telstra says it will never make an unsolicited call asking for remote access, demand sensitive personal or financial details, or ask for your one-time PIN. It also won't threaten to cancel your service unless you pay immediately.
Red flags
- A call about your internet or computer you didn't expect
- A request to install software or give remote access
- A request for your one-time PIN or banking details
- A threat to cut off your service unless you pay now
- A caller who gives you a number to call back
- A text from an unverified sender claiming to be Telstra
Example message
Hello, this is Telstra Technical Support. Your internet connection has been compromised by hackers and will be disconnected. I need you to install a program so I can fix it. Call [phone number] if we get cut off.
What to do
- 1
Hang up
Scamwatch says to hang up if a call about your computer asks for remote access, even if the caller mentions Telstra.
- 2
Check with Telstra yourself
Look up Telstra's number independently. Don't use one the caller gave you.
- 3
Report it
Forward scam texts to 7226 (SCAM), which Telstra says is free. Report calls to Scamwatch or Telstra's online form.
- 4
If you gave remote access, disconnect
Turn off the computer, uninstall the remote software, change passwords from another device and call your bank.
- 5
If you shared identity or banking details, get help
Telstra suggests contacting your bank or IDCARE. Check your My Telstra activity for changes.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
Cold callers in Australia work from lists of numbers and names. Those details can come from data brokers, public listings and breached data.
Serus finds where your phone number, address and email are listed on people-search sites and other data brokers and files removal requests, and it alerts you when your details turn up in a breach. That won't stop every message, but it gives scammers less to work with.
Frequently asked
Will Telstra call me to say my computer is hacked?
No. Telstra says it will never make an unsolicited call asking for remote access to your computer.
How do I report a scam text?
Forward it to 7226 (SCAM). Telstra says it won't charge you. The number doesn't work for calls.
Is Telstra a scam?
No. Telstra is a real telecom company. Scammers pretend to be Telstra.
What if I already let them into my computer?
Disconnect it, change your passwords from another device and contact your bank. Telstra also points to IDCARE for advice.
Sources
Something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we'll re-check it.
