NBN Co says scammers are increasing their focus to deceive Australians, with new variations of common NBN themed scams emerging in recent months.
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The ACCC's 'Targeting Scams' report noted that NBN themed scams were the most commonly reported scam type via the Australian Communications and Media Authority, with the "Nicole from NBN" robocall scam the most prolific example.
Recent reports to NBN and to Scamwatch indicate 'Nicole' has been joined by 'Carol' in addition to the emergence of two new NBN themed scams including residents being sent a fraudulent NBN invoice for payment after they were offered an upgrade over the phone, and scammers claiming radiation or harmful UV rays will come from the computer and instructs the individual to move away from or cover the screen, allowing the scammer unmonitored remote access to the device.
NBN Co says it does not issue invoices direct to customers unless work has been agreed to by NBN and the customer and its Chief Security Officer Darren Kane said that ongoing education and awareness was one of the bestways to combat scammers and help Australians protect themselves against scams and identity theft.
"Scammers thrive on uncertainty and misinformation when it comes to the use of the NBN brand to access people's computers to steal information or push for unnecessary payments," Mr Kane said.
"NBN Co is a wholesaler and does not make unsolicited calls to sell products, request remote access to computers through programs like Team Viewer, ask you to purchase gift cards in lieu of cash payments, threaten to disconnect your services, or request personal or financial details.
ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said scammers were increasingly using brands like NBN to trick unsuspecting consumers into parting with their money or personal information.
"Australians lost more than $900,000 from NBN impersonation scams in 2019 with the highest number of reports and losses coming from people aged 65 years and older," Ms Rickard said.
NBN Co's top tips for protecting against scammers:
NBN Co will never call and ask to access your computer or advise that you're going to be disconnected. NBN Co is a wholesaler, which means it does not sell phone or internet services directly to the public. People need to contact their preferred phone and internet provider in order to make the switch.
Never give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer or devices via the installation of programs, such as Team Viewer.
NBN Co does not make automated calls, such as robocalls, to advise of disconnections to NBN or existing copper phone line services. Do not engage with these calls.
Do not share your financial information (i.e. bank, credit card or gift card details) or personal details with an unsolicited caller or door knockers trying to seek payment for a service over the NBN network.
If in doubt, hang up and call your retail service provider on their official customer service centre number to check if the call is legitimate. Do not use contact details supplied by the caller.
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
