‘Telstra Technical Department’ Scam Phone Calls

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Scam phone calls have become an increasingly common occurrence in recent years, with scammers constantly finding new ways to deceive unsuspecting individuals. One particular scam that has gained significant attention is the ‘Telstra Technical Department’ scam phone call. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of this scam, including what it is, how it works, what to do if you have fallen victim, technical details, and relevant statistics.

Scams

What is the ‘Telstra Technical Department’ Scam?

The ‘Telstra Technical Department’ scam is a type of phone scam that targets individuals by impersonating Telstra, a leading telecommunications company in Australia. Scammers typically pose as Telstra technical support representatives and contact potential victims, claiming that there is a problem with their internet connection or computer. They use various tactics to convince individuals that their devices are compromised and that immediate action is required to resolve the issue.

How Does the Scam Work?

The ‘Telstra Technical Department’ scam operates through a series of carefully crafted steps designed to deceive victims and gain access to their personal information or financial details. Here is a breakdown of the typical scam process:

  1. Initial Contact: Scammers initiate the scam by making unsolicited phone calls to potential victims. They often use spoofed phone numbers to make it appear as if the call is coming from Telstra or a legitimate source.
  2. Impersonation: Once the call is answered, scammers impersonate Telstra technical support representatives. They may use official-sounding language and claim that they have detected suspicious activity on the victim’s internet connection or computer.
  3. Fear Tactics: To create a sense of urgency, scammers often employ fear tactics. They may warn the victim that their personal information is at risk or that their computer will be permanently damaged if immediate action is not taken.
  4. Remote Access: In many cases, scammers request remote access to the victim’s computer. They may ask the victim to download and install remote desktop software, which allows the scammer to gain control over the victim’s device.
  5. Information and Financial Theft: Once the scammer has access to the victim’s computer, they can steal sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card details, or even install malware or ransomware.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim?

If you have fallen victim to the ‘Telstra Technical Department’ scam or suspect that you may have been targeted, it is crucial to take immediate action to minimize the potential damage. Here are the steps you should follow:

  1. Disconnect from the Internet: As soon as you realize you are dealing with a scam, disconnect your device from the internet to prevent further unauthorized access.
  2. Scan for Malware: Run a thorough scan of your computer using reliable antivirus software, such as Malwarebytes Free. This will help identify and remove any malicious software that may have been installed by the scammers.
  3. Change Passwords: Change the passwords for all your online accounts, including email, banking, and social media. Use strong, unique passwords to enhance security.
  4. Contact Your Bank: If you have provided your financial details to the scammers, contact your bank immediately to report the incident and take necessary steps to protect your accounts.
  5. Report the Scam: Report the scam to your local authorities and the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC). Providing details of the scam can help in tracking down the scammers and preventing further victims.

Technical Details of the Scam

The ‘Telstra Technical Department’ scam relies on various technical tactics to deceive victims and gain unauthorized access to their devices. Here are some technical details of the scam:

  • Spoofed Phone Numbers: Scammers often use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to spoof phone numbers, making it appear as if the call is coming from Telstra or a legitimate source.
  • Remote Desktop Software: Scammers may ask victims to download and install remote desktop software, such as TeamViewer or AnyDesk. This software allows the scammer to gain control over the victim’s computer remotely.
  • Social Engineering: Scammers use social engineering techniques to manipulate victims and gain their trust. They often employ fear tactics and official-sounding language to create a sense of urgency and legitimacy.
  • Data Theft and Malware: Once the scammer has access to the victim’s computer, they can steal sensitive information, install malware or ransomware, and potentially cause significant harm.

Statistics on Phone Scams

Phone scams, including the ‘Telstra Technical Department’ scam, have become a widespread issue affecting individuals worldwide. Here are some statistics that highlight the prevalence and impact of phone scams:

  • In 2022, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) received over 216,000 reports of scams, with losses exceeding AUD 176 million.
  • Phone scams accounted for approximately 30% of all reported scams in Australia in 2022.
  • According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States, phone scams resulted in reported losses of over $1.9 billion in 2021.
  • Approximately 1 in 10 adults in the United States fell victim to a phone scam in 2022, according to a survey conducted by Truecaller Insights.

Summary

The ‘Telstra Technical Department’ scam is a prevalent phone scam that targets individuals by impersonating Telstra technical support representatives. Scammers use various tactics to deceive victims and gain unauthorized access to their devices, often resulting in financial loss and potential data theft. If you have fallen victim to this scam, it is crucial to take immediate action by disconnecting from the internet, scanning for malware, changing passwords, and reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities. Phone scams, including the ‘Telstra Technical Department’ scam, continue to be a significant issue globally, and individuals must remain vigilant to protect themselves from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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