A phone scam claiming to be from the National Broadband Network (NBN) is alive in Queensland and other States.
The ACCC is warning the community that scammers are pretending to be from NBN to con victims out of their money and personal information. The latest robo call includes an automated voice that tells you that the NBN is now in your area and you have 24 hours to connect to it or be disconnected from your present service by pressing 1 to talk to a technician.
NBN Co chief security officer Darren Kane said people needed to protect their personal information by being on guard, verifying who they were talking to and never disclosing bank accounts or other personal details to an unsolicited caller.
“It is important to be aware that NBN Co will never make unsolicited calls or door knock to sell broadband services,” he said.
Mr Kane said any scams should be reported to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission through its Scamwatch website.
People can protect themselves by following some tips:
- If you’re ever in doubt about contact you’ve had from someone saying they’re from NBN trying to sell you an internet or phone service, hang up the phone and call your retail service provider to check if the person calling is a fraud.
- You can only connect to the NBN network by purchasing a plan through a phone and internet service provider. Go to NBN’s website to check if your home or business address is able to connect to the NBN network and see which phone and internet providers are available in your area.
- Never give your personal, credit card or online account details over the phone unless you made the call and the phone number came from a trusted source.
- Never give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer.
If you think you have provided bank account or credit card details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
