Aussies Warned of Scammers Posing as NBN Workers
Published on: 12-07-2024Australians are being warned about a new wave of scammers impersonating nbn employees, targeting both residents and businesses. This alarming trend has led to significant financial losses, with around 1,800 Australians losing over $1.2 million last year alone due to these fraudulent activities.
How The Scam Works?
These scammers are taking advantage of ongoing nbn fibre upgrades in various regions, often targeting areas where genuine nbn technicians are working.
As per the news, here are some of their common tactics:
- Cold Calling and Door Knocking: Scammers either call individuals or knock on doors, pretending to be NBN technicians. They claim they need to pay for new internet hardware, postage costs, or an upgrade inspection and exploit the presence of legitimate NBN vehicles and technicians in the area to make their claims more believable. For instance, they might claim that a home visit is required for fibre upgrades and request bank details during the visit.
- Remote Access Requests: In some cases, scammers ask for remote access to victims' computers, supposedly to troubleshoot issues or upgrade services. This access allows them to steal sensitive personal and financial information. As per the news, in Adelaide, SA, they contacted customers claiming they would visit in a few days without any actual appointment.
- Demanding Payment for Fake Services: They may ask for payments for new modems, inspections, or other non-existent services. For example, in Ravensthorpe, WA, scammers requested money for new internet hardware and in Young, NSW, they claimed a need to inspect homes for fibre upgrades, subsequently taking bank details.
How to Stay Protected?
NBN Co has issued several guidelines to help the public avoid falling victim to these scams.
- Verification: Always verify the identity of NBN technicians. Legitimate NBN staff will carry identification cards and will not request payments on the spot for appointments, hardware, or postage.
- Official Communication: NBN Co contacts customers in advance through official channels like text messages to confirm or cancel appointments. Be cautious of unsolicited calls or visits.
- Security Practices: Never provide personal or banking details to unsolicited callers or door knockers. If in doubt, hang up or close the door and report the incident to ACC’s Scam watch.
Upgrading To NBN Full Fibre
If you are thinking about switching to nbn FTTP, we are here to help! Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the upgrade process!
- Get in touch with Occom: We will discuss the upgrade and any precautions, then schedule your nbn technician appointment.
- Confirmation call: nbn staff will confirm your appointment time over text or call and give you the option to cancel the appointment if needed.
- Initial assessment: The first visit involves an assessment of your home's surroundings. A technician will visit your home to check for potential installation obstacles and prepare for the next installation step.
- Installation: nbn will make second visit to install the nbn equipment inside and outside your property. Someone 18+ needs to be present during this visit to allow technician entry. If you are a tenant, a written landlord approval might be required for the FTTP installation upgrade.
Upgrading to FTTP through Occom includes a free standard installation visit. We have assisted many customers in upgrading FTTP and will never schedule technicians without your knowledge. If anything seems suspicious during the upgrade, you can contact Occom's customer service for verification. We will help identify scams and file complaints.
OCCOM—Optical Communication Expert
Occom is an Internet service provider dedicated to delivering faster fibre and mobile services and faster support. Occom has been praised by tens of thousands of satisfied residents and businesses, and our products have attained commendation from industry experts. As one of the fastest growing telcos endorsed by top global and Australian financial media, Occom has set the bar for exceeding Aussies’ expectations towards customer service. Occom’s young, passionate and professional team will keep on pushing the boundary for what is possible in the future.
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