I've recently switched from the Telstra network to Amaysim which uses the Optus network and can't believe how many phishing and scam voicemails I'm getting now on despite not having changed my number. Previously under the Telstra network I didn't get a single one. Does anyone know if it's because Telstra has more advanced scam filtering?
I haven't noticed any increase in sms spams which are still being filtered and sent straight to the spam folder, but I used to almost never get any scam voicemails with More/Telstra, which is now averaging 1-2 a day in my voice mailbox now. It doesn't look like Optus does any filtering for suspicious spam calls which Telstra does maybe?
It might just be a coincidence. Have you been apart of any recent data breach?
Telstra blocks millions of scam calls and SMS a month at the network level. If you swap back to Telstra you can forward scam SMS to 7226.
Which phone do you have? Some phones are really good at filtering eg. Pixel
I've got a mid-range POCO phone. I don't think it does any filtering at all lol
Worth going Samsung or pixel. Both in my experience filter out a lot of crap. Combine that with 'do not disturb but allow contacts' means you rarely receive any bulltish.
Thanks, I didn't know phone manufacturers actually built in a function like that! It's so annoying to receive scam calls day in day out that I might need to look into this when it's time to buy another phone.
I must be getting old because I've never heard of this. How does a phone filter spam calls?
@WatchNerd: I assume it's a combination of users community reporting, a database of dodgy numbers and probably a twist of AI.
Pixel has a feature (call screen) to answer unknown numbers on your behalf and help work out whether it spam or legit. I don't use it but there's also a hold feature that does the waiting and alerts you when there's a human at the other end.
@WatchNerd: It will first answer the call, mimicking your voice. It has been trained in your manerisms and will start a conversation to see if the other party responds. If the caller passes the first stage, it will then send a nude photo of you and ask for one in return. Then, and only then it will allow the call through..
I can't say its ideal for family members, but worth it for the odd call from a scammer.
Worth going Samsung
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
You can download the Phone by Google and Google Messages if the in built ones do not have the ability to filter.
I used to go through periods where id get several in one day. Not many these days.
Galaxy flip.
I’ve seen a big surge in spam calls and texts last 2 weeks across my 3 phones…
Perhaphs due to rampant growth in what has proven to be a highly lucrative 'sector'.
I just breath heavily whilst they are talking and they quickly hang up…
I've set up 2 new SIMs/phones for a side hustle over the last few months and been churning providers for whatever is cheapest that month/period - one never gets spam, the other gets so many spam calls and messages - almost daily.
Good luck with your side hustle, hope you don't get caught.
Danke
Yes you are correct. The number of spam calls you receive can vary depending on the provider as some telcos do a much better job of blocking them.
https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/were-now-blocking-over-1…
That might be it! Optus sucks in that case. Probably don't want to spend the money to protect consumers since it's a cost to them.
Have you Android spam filtering switched on? Go to settings separately in both call and SMS and make sure they are turned on.
Yup, both are turned on and have been all this time but switching to Optus the calls are getting through and leaving messages. Used to get none under Telstra.
Replace your default phone/dialler app with the official Google Phone app from the play store, go into settings and enable spam protection
Go to the donotcall gov Australia website and register your number
No they don’t. They have the sms spam filtering
Likely just a coincidence