Net of deception: Scammers spin fake connections with network provider to swindle Aussies!
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In an era where online security threats loom large, Australians are increasingly on alert for scams targeting unsuspecting individuals under false pretences.
Recent reports have highlighted a concerning trend involving scammers posing as workers of a major internet provider, exploiting trust to gain access to personal information or financial details.
As the digital landscape evolves, vigilance against such deceptive tactics becomes crucial to safeguarding personal and financial security online.
In today's digital age, Australians enjoy the benefits of the National Broadband Network (nbn), bringing high-speed internet to their doorsteps.
However, with this technological advancement comes a new breed of opportunistic scammers, preying on unsuspecting Aussies by masquerading as nbn workers.
These cunning con artists are targeting both businesses and residents, particularly in areas where genuine nbn technicians are performing fibre upgrades.
In 2023 alone, a staggering 1,800 Australians were swindled out of more than $1.2 million by these impostors in a remote access scam.
The scammers' tactics are alarmingly deceptive; they cold-call or door-knock, claiming to be nbn employees, and use the presence of actual nbn vehicles in the vicinity to bolster their credibility.
The scam has been reported across the country. In March, individuals posing as nbn representatives contacted customers in Ravensthorpe, Western Australia, demanding payments for new internet equipment or shipping fees.
In April, scammers in Adelaide, South Australia, contacted a customer and claimed they would visit a few days later despite no prior appointment being scheduled.
In Young, New South Wales, scammers offered to inspect homes for an nbn fibre upgrade and obtained bank account details during the process.
In May, nbn impersonators contacted a customer in Warrnambool, Victoria, during ongoing upgrades and tricked them into providing their bank details.
In June, a bank intervened to stop a transaction by a resident of Sea Lake, VIC, who had been deceived into paying for a new modem for their fibre upgrade.
The nbn issued a warning to all Australians: be vigilant. nbn technicians will always contact you in advance to confirm appointments and never ask for payment for appointments, hardware, or request to access your computer or devices.
They also send text messages before an appointment to confirm or cancel and let you know when they are on their way.
Chris Cusack, nbn Local Head, explained that the scammers posed as nbn personnel, offering to inspect residents' phone and internet services. They exploited the presence of nbn vehicles in the neighborhood to appear credible.
‘These impersonators are also asking residents for payment to test their services or secure upgrades and repair works in the future,’ he said.
‘In taking the payment, these people are then skimming banking and card details to extract more money afterwards.’
‘We are asking residents to be extra-vigilant against scams, especially while legitimate nbn work is underway,’ Mr Cusack added.
Mr Cusack emphasised that nbn staff will never request payment to test services or secure future upgrades and repairs.
He advised that all nbn approved technicians carry identification cards, and you should always ask to see this card before allowing anyone access to your property.
‘Do not share your bank or personal details with an unsolicited caller or with people who door knock claiming to be from nbn trying to sell you an nbn service or seeking payment for related services,’ Mr Cusack warned.
‘If you get contacted like this, please close your door, or hang up the phone and report it to the ACCC’s Scam watch.’
These alarming incidents highlight a growing concern for the safety and security of Australians, especially vulnerable groups like seniors.
Unfortunately, the risks associated with nbn-related scams don’t end with deceptive phone calls.
The story of a pensioner who received a $6,000 bill due to a botched nbn installation further underscores the urgent need for vigilance and awareness when dealing with nbn services.
Have you or someone you know witnessed scams similar to this? How do you protect yourself from being one of their victims? Share your stories and tips in the comments below.
Recent reports have highlighted a concerning trend involving scammers posing as workers of a major internet provider, exploiting trust to gain access to personal information or financial details.
As the digital landscape evolves, vigilance against such deceptive tactics becomes crucial to safeguarding personal and financial security online.
In today's digital age, Australians enjoy the benefits of the National Broadband Network (nbn), bringing high-speed internet to their doorsteps.
However, with this technological advancement comes a new breed of opportunistic scammers, preying on unsuspecting Aussies by masquerading as nbn workers.
These cunning con artists are targeting both businesses and residents, particularly in areas where genuine nbn technicians are performing fibre upgrades.
Australians were warned about scammers impersonating nbn workers to steal money and personal information. Credit: Shutterstock
In 2023 alone, a staggering 1,800 Australians were swindled out of more than $1.2 million by these impostors in a remote access scam.
The scammers' tactics are alarmingly deceptive; they cold-call or door-knock, claiming to be nbn employees, and use the presence of actual nbn vehicles in the vicinity to bolster their credibility.
The scam has been reported across the country. In March, individuals posing as nbn representatives contacted customers in Ravensthorpe, Western Australia, demanding payments for new internet equipment or shipping fees.
In April, scammers in Adelaide, South Australia, contacted a customer and claimed they would visit a few days later despite no prior appointment being scheduled.
In Young, New South Wales, scammers offered to inspect homes for an nbn fibre upgrade and obtained bank account details during the process.
In May, nbn impersonators contacted a customer in Warrnambool, Victoria, during ongoing upgrades and tricked them into providing their bank details.
In June, a bank intervened to stop a transaction by a resident of Sea Lake, VIC, who had been deceived into paying for a new modem for their fibre upgrade.
The nbn issued a warning to all Australians: be vigilant. nbn technicians will always contact you in advance to confirm appointments and never ask for payment for appointments, hardware, or request to access your computer or devices.
They also send text messages before an appointment to confirm or cancel and let you know when they are on their way.
Chris Cusack, nbn Local Head, explained that the scammers posed as nbn personnel, offering to inspect residents' phone and internet services. They exploited the presence of nbn vehicles in the neighborhood to appear credible.
‘These impersonators are also asking residents for payment to test their services or secure upgrades and repair works in the future,’ he said.
‘In taking the payment, these people are then skimming banking and card details to extract more money afterwards.’
‘We are asking residents to be extra-vigilant against scams, especially while legitimate nbn work is underway,’ Mr Cusack added.
Mr Cusack emphasised that nbn staff will never request payment to test services or secure future upgrades and repairs.
He advised that all nbn approved technicians carry identification cards, and you should always ask to see this card before allowing anyone access to your property.
‘Do not share your bank or personal details with an unsolicited caller or with people who door knock claiming to be from nbn trying to sell you an nbn service or seeking payment for related services,’ Mr Cusack warned.
‘If you get contacted like this, please close your door, or hang up the phone and report it to the ACCC’s Scam watch.’
These alarming incidents highlight a growing concern for the safety and security of Australians, especially vulnerable groups like seniors.
Unfortunately, the risks associated with nbn-related scams don’t end with deceptive phone calls.
The story of a pensioner who received a $6,000 bill due to a botched nbn installation further underscores the urgent need for vigilance and awareness when dealing with nbn services.
