Optus ScamWise empowers customers to identify and report scams

Identifying a scam is now easier for Optus customers with Optus ScamWise, a new feature that helps recognise trending scams and prevents future circulation.

The National Anti-Scam Centre has detected a concerning increase in the number of reports of fake websites that look like genuine online retail stores belonging to many big-name, high street brands.^[1]

Optus is blocking over 2 million calls and almost 2.8 million SMS a week. By providing customers with the visibility of trending scams and how many scam SMS and calls Optus is blocking on a weekly basis, customers can be on alert and even share the information with friends and family.

Optus ScamWise is empowering Optus customers to fight back against the ever-growing number of SMS scams by reporting any suspicious text messages they receive in My Optus app. Reported SMS will be analysed by Optus’ scam team, with high circulating inauthentic messages blocked to prevent future distribution of that content across the Optus network. The customer reports will also help to inform Optus’ SMS blocking rules.

This new feature is part of Optus’ efforts to combat scams and protect customers with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) revealing more than $3.1 billion was stolen from Australians in 2022^[2].

Optus Managing Director of Customer Solutions, Matt Williams, said, “What we’ve been seeing is that scammers are shifting their attacks to mobile and personal communication channels to reach Australians. They incorporate relevant themes in their messages and evolve their tactics with world or seasonal events. 

“We are working to better protect our customers and make it harder for scammers to prosper. Optus ScamWise not only helps protect the Optus customer community but also lets them help protect their wider circle too.

“We know that there is a lot of work to be done and we remain committed to playing our part to address this national priority alongside leading businesses, government, and the broader community.”

Through a series of initiatives, Optus has also blocked more than 380 million scam calls and 130 million SMS scam messages since December 2020.

Optus ScamWise is available to all Optus customers through the My Optus app.

Scam protection tips

1. Avoid phishing hooks. In phishing scams, scammers contact you through emails, messages, calls, or unreliable websites. They often offer deals that sound too good to be true, the latest phone for a fraction of the price or better inclusions.
2. Calls that demand immediate payment or sensitive information like date of birth or address are suspect
3. Does the message make you panic, fearful, hopeful or curious? Scammers use threatening language, make false claims of support, or tease you into wanting to find out more.

Customers who suspect they are being targeted by a scammer can report the number to the ACCC’s Scamwatch.

Optus has many systems and processes in place across the mobile network to help identify and blocks scam calls and SMS', including: Sender and Caller IDs, identifying suspicious keywords, monitoring volumes of calls and SMS', monitoring suspicious calling and SMS patterns and location. 

Optus WiFi Secure™ - A month-to-month subscription service that helps protects against malicious threats while online via a WiFi connection from a compatible Optus supplied modem, using an Optus nbn internet service. Learn more. 
Optus Call Stop – Prevents you from calling back numbers from identified scammers. Learn more.
Optus Digital ID - Makes verifying your identity easy and convenient. Learn more.

Digital Security and Scam Safety at Optus

We're working to keep you safe.

Find out more

Optus Digital Thumbprint supports digital safety and wellbeing for young people and families. Find out more at Optus Digital Thumbprint.

^{[1] https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/news-alerts/shopping-for-online-bargains-this-black-friday-weekend-make-sure-its-the-real-deal}

^{[2] ACCC calls for united front as scammers steal over $3bn from Australians | ACCC}