Telstra Scam Indicator - how we're working with CBA to reduce scams
What is the Scam Indicator and how does it work?
Scam Indicator is a tool currently available to joint customers of CBA and Telstra designed to help detect and prevent phone scams. It uses a Telstra Application Programming Interface (API) that trusted partners like CBA can integrate into their scam detection processes to identify high-risk scam situations in real time.
Scam Indicator enables our partner to confirm if a customer is on a phone call – a prime indicator that a scam is occurring. This allows the partner the opportunity to contact the customer and conduct additional checks which protect individuals from transferring large amounts of money to criminals.
To protect customer privacy, partners such as CBA are only able to access specific data points relating to scam prevention through the API and do not have access to thecontents of any communication or other underlying customer data.
Scam Indicator was launched in 2023 and has already successfully prevented vulnerable Australians from losing millions to scam and fraud.
How do I opt in to Scam Indicator?
Customers with an active Telstra or Boost Mobile phone service are automatically eligible for protection and do not need to opt-in. Please contact your bank to confirm if you are protected by this service.
Customers with an active mobile service provided on the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network may also be eligible for automatic protection. To check, you can read your provider’s privacy statement. If your provider is eligible for Scam Indicator, their privacy statement will specifically mention Telstra’s privacy statement.
How do I opt out of Scam Indicator?
If for whatever reason you no longer want to be protected by Scam Indicator while online banking (via both a web browser and the CBA mobile app), opting- out is simple:
- Using your Telstra phone, send a text message to 0407 102 173 with the words “OPT-OUT”
- You’ll receive a one-time passcode from Telstra to confirm you’re a real person
- Copy that one-time code and text it back to our Scam Indicator number (0407 102 173).
- We’ll send you a text message confirming you have opted out of Scam Indicator
- Alternatively, call us on 1800 298 608