You’re scrolling through your phone when suddenly—ping!—a text from Telstra pops up. Maybe it’s a bill reminder, a service update, or even a promotional offer. But wait… Did you actually sign up for these messages? And more importantly, does Telstra even send texts, or is this some sneaky scammer at work?
Yes, Telstra does send legitimate text messages for account alerts, billing reminders, network updates, and promotional offers. However, not every text claiming to be from Telstra is real—scammers often impersonate big companies. So, if you’re unsure, always verify the sender and never click suspicious links.
Do Telstra send text messages?
Yes, Telstra sends official text messages for billing, service alerts, and promotions. Always check the sender details to avoid scams.
Why Would Telstra Send Me a Text Message?
Telstra, like most telecom giants, uses SMS to keep customers informed. But why your number? Well, if you’re a Telstra user, these messages are usually about:
- Bill reminders (“Your Telstra bill is due in 3 days!”)
- Service updates (“We’re performing network maintenance in your area.”)
- Data usage alerts (“You’ve used 80% of your monthly data.”)
- Promotional offers (“Get 50% off your next recharge!”)
The exact reason you’re getting a text depends on your account activity. If you’ve ever given Telstra your number (which, let’s be honest, you definitely did when signing up), they’ll use it for essential updates.
How Can I Tell If a Telstra Text Is Real or a Scam?
Fake texts (smishing—yes, that’s a real word) are everywhere. So how do you spot the real deal?
A genuine Telstra text will:
✔ Come from an official Telstra number (like 0444 333 222).
✔ Address you by your registered name (not “Dear Customer”).
✔ Never ask for sensitive info like passwords or bank details.
A scam text will:
✖ Have spelling mistakes (“Telstra here! Ur account is suspend!”).
✖ Include shady links (bit.ly/randomgibberish).
✖ Pressure you (“Act NOW or lose service!”).
Example:
✅ Real: “Hi [Your Name], your Telstra bill of $75 is due on 15/05. Pay now: telstra.com/myaccount”
❌ Fake: “URGENT: Your Telstra account is locked! Click here to verify: scamlink.com”
Can I Stop Telstra from Sending Me Texts?
Yes, you can opt out—mostly. Telstra lets you unsubscribe from promotional texts, but important service alerts (like billing or outages) will still come through. Here’s how:
- Reply “STOP” to the message (works for marketing texts).
- Log in to your Telstra account and adjust notification settings.
- Call Telstra support (132 200) and ask them to update your preferences.
Note: If you block all Telstra texts, you might miss critical updates—like when your data’s about to run out!
What Should I Do If I Get a Suspicious Telstra Text?
Don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either. Follow these steps:
- Do NOT click any links. Even if it looks legit, hover over the link (but don’t tap!).
- Forward the text to Telstra’s scam team (0429 999 888).
- Report it to Scamwatch (www.scamwatch.gov.au).
- Delete the message after reporting.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, call Telstra directly using the number on their official website—not the one in the text!
Common Telstra Text Scams in Australia
Scammers love pretending to be Telstra. Here are some current scams doing the rounds:
| Scam Type | What It Says | Red Flags |
|---|---|---|
| Fake Bill | “Your Telstra bill is unpaid! Pay now.” | Urgent tone, weird payment link. |
| Account Suspension | “Your service will be cut in 24 hours.” | Threats, no personal details. |
| Free Upgrade | “Claim your free 5G upgrade today!” | Too good to be true. |
“We’ll never ask for your password or bank details over text. If in doubt, call us directly.”
FAQs About Telstra Text Messages
1. Does Telstra send texts about unpaid bills?
Yes, but they’ll never demand immediate payment via a shady link.
2. Can I reply to a Telstra text?
For STOP requests, yes. Otherwise, it’s safer to contact them via official channels.
3. Why did I get a Telstra text if I’m not a customer?
Either a wrong number or a scam. Ignore it if you’re not with Telstra.
Conclusion
Telstra does send legitimate texts—but so do scammers. The key is staying alert. Check sender details, avoid sketchy links, and when in doubt, contact Telstra directly. Whether it’s a bill reminder or a network alert, knowing what’s real keeps you safe (and saves you from unnecessary panic!).
Got a weird text? Don’t ignore it—report it. Better safe than sorry!