- Scam
- Uncertain
- Suspicious
1800 290 955 (1800290955): Community reports of Telstra impersonation scam via SMS and calls claiming unauthorised account access, urging victims to call back.
Telstra Impersonation Scam Reports for 1800 290 955
Seven contributors have reported calls and SMS messages from 1800 290 955 (also written as 1800290955) impersonating Telstra. The scam operates by falsely claiming that an authorised contact or profile has been added to a Telstra account the recipient does not own, then urging them to call the number to verify their identity or dispute the activity.
Multiple reports about 1800 290 955 indicate this is a coordinated impersonation effort. One contributor noted the SMS appeared to use "total authority" language and included their personal name, creating a false sense of legitimacy. Another reported that Telstra later confirmed the number 1800 290 955 was disconnected, confirming the fraudulent nature of the contact.
What Callers and SMS from 1800 290 955 Claim
Contributors describe SMS messages from 1800 290 955 stating that an "authorized contact" or "profile" has been added to their Telstra account without their permission. The messages instruct recipients to call 1800 290 955 immediately to speak with a "fraud team" and dispute the activity.
One contributor received an SMS referencing an account they do not hold with Telstra, suggesting the scammers are either using generic messaging or targeting individuals with fabricated account details. Another report described the SMS as claiming "full authority" and using the recipient's actual name to increase credibility.
A contributor who previously managed a Telstra account for employment purposes received the same SMS, indicating the scammers may be targeting past account holders or using outdated customer data. The consistency of the message content across multiple reports suggests a template-based SMS campaign rather than individualised targeting.
Report Patterns and Timing
Reports span from May 2023 to December 2024, with clustering around May and July 2023. The primary delivery method is SMS, though at least one contributor answered a call from 1800 290 955. The scam uses multiple approaches: some SMS messages arrive as standalone fraud alerts, while others appear to reference earlier communications or account notifications.
One contributor noted receiving the same SMS as reports dating from August 2023, suggesting the scammers recycled messaging or targeted lists over an extended period. Reports describe the SMS as coming "with Telstra authority" language, designed to create urgency and bypass recipient scepticism.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 1800 290 955
If 1800 290 955 calls you:
- Do not: Answer the call if you don't recognise the number, return the call, or follow any instructions to verify your identity or account details
- Do: Hang up immediately, block the number, and contact Telstra directly using the phone number on your bill or their official website to verify any account activity
- Verify independently: If you receive a call claiming to be from Telstra about account fraud, end the call and ring Telstra directly on 133 200 (their official customer service line) rather than using any number provided by the caller
- Never provide: Personal details, account numbers, passwords, or authentication codes to unsolicited callers, even if they claim to represent Telstra
What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 1800 290 955
If you receive an SMS from 1800 290 955:
- Do not: Click any links in the message, reply to the SMS, or call the number provided
- Do: Delete the SMS immediately and block 1800 290 955 on your phone
- Report as spam: Forward the SMS to 0429 999 888 (Australian spam reporting) and include the original message
- Contact Telstra directly: If the SMS mentions your account, ring Telstra on 133 200 to confirm whether any changes were made to your account
- Monitor your account: Log into your Telstra account via their official website to check for unauthorised contacts or profile changes
How to Report 1800 290 955
Report this number and your experience to the following Australian authorities:
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Report the number and SMS content at acma.gov.au. Include the date received, the exact message text, and whether you clicked any links or called back.
- Scamwatch: Lodge a detailed report at scamwatch.gov.au describing the impersonation attempt, the claims made, and any funds or information lost. Scamwatch tracks patterns across multiple scams.
- ReportCyber: If the SMS contained suspicious links or you suspect attempted account hijacking, report to cyber.gov.au
- Telstra directly: Contact Telstra on 133 200 or via their official website to report the impersonation and discuss your account security.
- Reverseau: Add your experience to community reports for 1800 290 955 to help other Australians identify this scam.
Help others by sharing your experience with 1800 290 955!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Loads of people had trouble with this number pretending to be Telstra, it's a naked scam, don't click any links
SMS claiming total authority, used my name, claiming I have Telstra account but I don't, what a joke
Got same SMS from August 9 2023 reports. not with Telstra but used to manage account for old job. blocked it
number suggested to call about fraudulent full authority contact added to Telstra account I don't have
Number associated with scam, supposedly from russian and chinese servers, tries to access mobile carrier and hijack bank accounts using two-factor auth
Multiple SMS saying authorized contact added to account, told to call 1800 290 955 fraud team if didn't initiate. linked to suspicious activity with Chinese hackers
Text from what looked like Telstra saying profile added to account, told to call number, but Telstra confirmed number disconnected soon
Emails and SMS about authorized contact added to account with fraud team number to call
text and email claiming to be Telstra about replacing my SIM card, provided number to call to cancel
Help others by sharing your experience with 1800 290 955!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why is 1800 290 955 impersonating Telstra?
The scammers behind 1800 290 955 are attempting to trick recipients into calling back to provide personal and financial details, or to click malicious links in SMS messages. By impersonating Telstra and claiming account fraud, they exploit the urgency and trust associated with a major Australian telco. One contributor reported the number was associated with attempts to hijack bank accounts using two-factor authentication, suggesting the ultimate goal is identity theft and financial fraud.
Should I call 1800 290 955 back if I'm concerned about my Telstra account?
No. Do not call 1800 290 955 under any circumstances. If you are concerned about your Telstra account after receiving an SMS or call referencing it, hang up and contact Telstra directly on 133 200 (their official customer service number found on your bill). Calling 1800 290 955 will connect you with scammers posing as Telstra fraud staff, who will attempt to extract personal details or direct you to malicious websites.
What information do the scammers claim to have about me?
Contributors report that SMS messages from 1800 290 955 include their personal names and reference Telstra accounts they do not own. This suggests the scammers are using stolen or outdated customer data, or generic messaging designed to trigger concern. The use of personal names is deliberate social engineering to increase the perceived credibility of the fake fraud alert.
Is 1800 290 955 a real Telstra number?
No. One contributor reported that Telstra confirmed 1800 290 955 was disconnected when they called Telstra to verify the number. This confirms that 1800 290 955 is not a legitimate Telstra service line. Telstra's official customer service number is 133 200. Do not trust any unsolicited communication directing you to call 1800 290 955.
Why do the SMS messages from 1800 290 955 mention accounts I don't have?
Multiple contributors received SMS messages from 1800 290 955 claiming authorised contacts were added to Telstra accounts they do not own. This tactic works because it creates confusion and urgency. The scammers may be using generic customer lists, outdated data, or deliberately targeting former account holders. The false claim of account activity is designed to make you panic and call the number to 'resolve' the issue.
What should I do if I already called 1800 290 955 or provided information?
Contact Telstra immediately on 133 200 to report any information you may have shared (account details, passwords, personal information). Monitor your Telstra account closely for unauthorised changes. Check your bank and credit card accounts for suspicious activity. Consider placing a fraud alert with your bank. Report the scam to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) and ACMA (acma.gov.au). If you clicked a link in an SMS from 1800 290 955, report it to ReportCyber (cyber.gov.au) as it may have exposed your device to malware.