Telstra’s fight against SMS SCAMS continues with almost 50 thousand text messages sent to their scam reporting number since it launched in May.

7226 is the number that Telstra customers can simply forward suspect text messages to but it’s important that you do it the right way.

For example, Telstra reported receiving some messages as screenshots, however as the scam detection system is mostly automated these messages won’t be processed – you must forward the original text message.

To stop SMS scams from slipping through, Telstra asks for everyone’s help and have included three top tips everyone needs to remember when sending a scam to 7226:

    • No screengrabs please! 7226 only works with the original SMS / MMS so please make sure you forward on the original message. See here for clear instructions on how to forward a message either from an iPhone or Android device.  
    • Don’t delay: Most SMS scams only last a matter of minutes or hours so it’s important to report them as quickly as possible so the data can help us identify patterns quickly.  
    • Only send us scams: Your best friend might love that cat meme, but our 7226 Cyber team do not. Only report messages that are suspected scams.

Get more information at https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/keep-snitching-on-scammers–how-our-new-7226-reporting-number-is