NBN Scams – Warning

NBNCo will generally not contact you about your internet connection as they are a wholesaler to Retail Service Providers (RSP), and you get your internet service through them.

This is a big post however please take the time to read the information from three sources I have quoted below:

From Scamwatch:

Australians are losing more money to NBN scams, with reported losses in 2019 already higher than the total of last year’s losses.

Consumers lost an average of more than $110,000 each month between January and May this year, compared with around $38,500 in monthly average losses throughout 2018 – an increase of nearly 300 per cent.

“People aged over 65 are particularly vulnerable, making the most reports and losing more than $330,000 this year. That’s more than 60 per cent of the current losses,” ACCC Acting Chair Delia Rickard said.

“Scammers are increasingly using trusted brands like ‘NBN’ to trick unsuspecting consumers into parting with their money or personal information.”

Common types of NBN scams include:

  • Someone pretending to be from NBN Co or an internet provider calls a victim and claims there is a problem with their phone or internet connection, which requires remote access to fix. The scammer can then install malware or steal valuable personal information, including banking details.
  • Scammers pretending to be the NBN attempting to sell NBN services, often at a discount, or equipment to you over the phone.
  • Scammers may also call or visit people at their homes to sign them up to the NBN, get them a better deal or test the speed of their connection. They may ask people to provide personal details such as their name, address, date of birth, and Medicare number or ask for payment through gift cards.
  • Scammers calling you during a blackout offering you the ability to stay connected during a blackout for an extra fee.

It is important to remember NBN Co is a wholesale-only company and does not sell services directly to consumers.

“We will never make unsolicited calls or door knock to sell broadband services to the public. People need to contact their preferred phone and internet service provider to make the switch,” NBN Co Chief Security Officer Darren Kane said.

“We will never request remote access to a resident’s computer and we will never make unsolicited requests for payment or financial information.”

“If someone claiming to work ‘for the NBN’ tries to sell you an internet or phone service and you are unsure, ask for their details, hang up, and call your service provider to check if they’re legitimate. Do a Google search or check the phone book to get your service provider’s number, don’t use contact details provided by the sales person,” Ms Rickard said.

“Never give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer, and never give out your personal, credit card or online account details to anyone you don’t know – in person or over the phone – unless you made the contact.”

“It’s also important to know that NBN does not make automated calls to tell you that you will be disconnected. If you get a call like this just hang up.”

“If you think a scammer has gained access to your personal information, such as bank account details, contact your financial institution immediately.”

From NBNCo:

Protect yourself from scams

Have you been contacted by someone claiming to be from nbn asking for personal information and you’re not sure if it is a scam?

Immediate action

If you have provided bank account, credit card, or gift card (iTunes/Coles) details to a scammer claiming to work for nbn, you need to:

  • Contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
  • Report the matter to your local police. You could also report your issue to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).
  • If you have provided remote access to your computer or financial information to a scammer, contact IDCARE on 1300 432 273.
  • To protect others, report scams to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) via SCAMwatch.

Things to keep an eye out for

  • If someone claiming to work for nbn has contacted you trying to sell you an internet or phone service and you’re in doubt, ask for their details, hang up and call your retail service provider to check if they’re legitimate.
  • Do not share your bank or personal details with an unsolicited caller or with those who door knock claiming to be from nbn trying to sell you an nbn™ service or seek payment for related services.
  • nbn™ approved technicians and workers carry enAble™ identification cards – always request to see this card before providing physical access to your address.
  • Never give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer via the installation of programs such as Team Viewer.
  • nbn does not call you with automated assistance to advise you will be disconnected – we suggest you hang up the phone.
  • nbn is a ‘wholesaler’ – you will need to purchase an nbn™ powered plan through a phone or internet provider. We only accept direct payment from the public in certain circumstances e.g. switching technologies at your premises.

From Aussie Broadband:

Scam Calls – How to identify them?

Scam Calls are on the rise and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to decipher whether it’s real or a scam. This information section will list the most recent scam calls to keep you in the know.

Types of Scam Calls:

The latest scam call is a person pretending to be the nbn™ Co. They inform you that maintenance will be performed and your internet will be disconnected. They then try to get your personal and financial details.

*Do not trust anyone calling to inform you that your internet will be disconnected. Instead, hang up and call us directly on 1300 880 905. That way you know what’s fact and what’s a scam.

Do you wish to keep your phone number?

This auto dialer scam call will start off with a variation of the following: The nbn™ is about to go live in your area. If you wish to keep your phone number, please press 1 now. 

DO NOT press 1. 

If you get this call, please hang up your phone. This is not part of the process to converting your fixed phone over to VoIP. If you have concerns about losing your phone number, do not hesitate to call us on 1300 880 905. We will double check your account.

Aussie Broadband will never call you and request you to press 1 to keep your phone number.

Your phone will be disconnected by X date.

This is another scam call circulating around and it’s confusing because the nbn™ is removing legacy copper connections. However, Aussie Broadband will not call you to simply say that your phone will be disconnected in 2 weeks. If you have submitted a phone port with us, don’t hesitate to call us to check up on the application.

You have a debt to the ATO and they will give 50% off if you pay in the form of iTunes or Google Play cards.

The ATO are not going to call you and demand payment in the form of iTunes or Google Play. If you are concerned about this, then it’s advised to call the ATO directly. Call the ATO directly, do not call any numbers the scammer provides. You can find more about this scam on the ATO Website.

I think I’ve received a scam call, what should I do?

If you are ever concerned about a scam call or want to check the legitimacy of a call, then call us on 1300 880 905.

I may be a victim of a scam, what do I do?

If you have sent money or provided bank or personal details to a scammer, then it’s advised to file a police report immediately. I would also advise contacting your bank and consider taking swift action to prevent any theft.

How do I report a scam?

You can report scams to the ACCC Scamwatch here. We do not report scams on your behalf, but we can check up on your account and confirm that phone numbers, etc are safe from disconnection.

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