Optus has welcomed Governments changes to the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Amendment which provide clarity for telcos seeking to identify and block scam communications.
Our services have never been more critical but, unfortunately, they are also being used to prey on Australians, particularly the most vulnerable, said Optus CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin.
Optus is vigilant about protecting our customers, and these amendments provide us with even more options to safeguard our customers from scammers and fraudsters.
In the first six months of 2021, Optus blocked more than 100 million voice calls. Earlier this year, the company blocked nearly 30 million text messages relating to the Flubot scam and also reached out to thousands of customers who had been impacted by that scam to help them mitigate the impacts.
Andrew Sheridan, Optus Vice President Regulatory and Public Affairs, said the industry has been doing its utmost to combat scams perpetrated over voice calls and text messages.
Legacy rules designed to protect customers can also protect criminals. We welcome the Governments focus on this important issue and the changes announced today which will give us greater flexibility to proactively block criminals who are targeting Australians.
Customers who wish to report a scam can do so by:
Contacting Optus by phone (133 937);
Contacting Optus by Messaging; or
Filing a report at Scamwatch.com.au.
