Optus today announced a new initiative that will block its mobile customers from calling known scam numbers. Dubbed "Call Stop", the technology is designed to specifically combat call back scams.
A call back scam is where the target receives an email or SMS asking to call on a certain number. These messages often purport to be from a bank and say that there are issues with the account, such as unauthorised payments or access. The number, of course, calls the scammer, who will then try to trick the target to into providing access to their bank account or sending money.
If an Optus customer calls a number known to be attached to one of these scams, the call will be blocked. The call will then divert to a voice message warning customers of the scam.
Optus Vice President, Regulatory and Public Affairs, Andrew Sheridan says the technology is the latest weapon in the battle again scams.
"The automated message very clearly exposes the scam, and the number is blocked."
Optus says it is currently blocking close to five million scam calls and 10 million scam text messages per month. According to Scamwatch data, text messages are the most common form of scam. Around 43% of scams reported between January and April this year were sent via SMS.
Optus' Call Stop is the latest telco initiative in the fight against scams. At the end of May, Telstra introduced a new service that allows its mobile customers to snitch on scammers by forwarding scam SMS directly to the telco.
Alex Choros
Related Articles
