At MATE, we take your privacy and safety seriously, and we help Aussies stay a step ahead of scam calls and messages.
To help protect people from harmful messages, Telstra has a national reporting number that all MATE mobile customers can use to report suspected scams. Just forward any suspicious SMS or MMS to 7226 (SCAM). It’s free, and you won’t get a reply.
Reporting a message helps Telstra shield customers from scams that try to trick people into handing over personal or financial details, or downloading dodgy apps.
How to report a scam message
On an iPhone:
- Touch and hold the message bubble you want to forward, then tap More
- Select any other messages you want to include
- Tap Forward and enter 7226
- Tap Send
On Android (default Messages app):
- Tap and hold the message
- Tap the three-dot menu and tap Forward
- Enter 7226 and tap Send
You won’t get a response, but rest assured Telstra has received your report. It’s a simple step that helps stop other people falling for the same scam.
How to spot a scam message
Some scam messages are full of typos or obvious requests for your details, but others can look very convincing. It pays to stay a little sceptical of anything unexpected. Watch out for:
- Unsolicited messages asking for personal details or pushing dodgy offers
- Numbers starting with “19XX” or international codes other than +61, which often carry premium rates
- Promises of surprise prizes in exchange for money
- Links that try to install software on your phone or tablet
If you’re ever in doubt, contact the sender’s official number to check it’s really them.
More on staying safe online
- How to keep safe from phone scams
- Phone scammers, don’t fall for them
- Calling Line Identification and spoofing, consumer advice
- How to stop scam phone calls and where to get help
- Essential tips for online safety and security
- Online safety tips for older internet users
- Tips to protect your security online
