Aussies warned over new nbn scam
Aussies have been warned against a new nbn scam targeting businesses and residents.
Last year, about 1,800 Australians lost more than $1.2 million to scammers pretending to be nbn employees in a remote access scam.
Now, they have found a new way to scam unsuspecting businesses and residents by pretending to be employees and getting people to hand over their personal details and money in areas where actual nbn employees are working.
The opportunistic scammers have been randomly knocking on doors or cold calling homes in areas where nbn technicians are installing new fibre.
A few people have already been duped, with nbn impersonators calling customers claiming they need money to pay for new internet hardware or postage costs.
Scammers have also offered to inspect people's homes for a nbn fibre upgrade and took their bank account details in the process.
Other impersonators have called customers saying they would show up a few days later, despite having no prior appointment booked.
Scammers have also impersonated staff, and used the presence of actual nbn vehicles on the street as proof of their authenticity.
“These impersonators are also asking residents for payment to test their services or secure upgrades and repair works in the future,” nbn Local head Chris Cusack 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.”
Nbn has advised that their technicians would always contact people to ensure they were aware of visits before their appointments, and inform them of where they will be doing fibre upgrades.
They also send their customers texts to confirm or cancel the appointment, and let them know when they are on their way.
Nbn technicians never ask for payment for an appointment, postage costs, hardware costs, or access to any devices.
Approved technicians and workers all carry identification cards, and the nbn Local head suggested that customers should always request to see the card before providing access to their residence.
“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,” Cusack said.
“If you get contacted like this, please close your door, or hang up the phone and report it to the ACCC’s Scam watch.”
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