Unsuspecting Aussies are being duped by opportunistic scammers pretending to be nbn employees in a scam targeting businesses and residents in areas where actual technicians are carrying out fibre upgrades.
Last year, about 1,800 Australians lost more than $1.2 million to scammers pretending to be nbn employees in a remote access scam.
Nbn employees have recently uncovered a new scam targeting unsuspecting businesses and residents to hand over their money and personal details to criminals pretending to be from the nbn in areas where they are working.
Brazen opportunists have been randomly door knocking or cold calling homes in areas where nbn technicians are installing new fibre.
In March, nbn impersonators called customers in Ravensthorpe, WA claiming they needed to pay money for new internet hardware or postage costs.
In April, nbn impersonators called a customer in Adelaide, SA saying they would show up a few days later, despite having no prior appointment booked.
Scammers offered to inspect people’s home in Young, NSW for a nbn fibre upgrade and took people’s bank account details in the process.
In May, nbn impersonators called a customer in Warnambool, VIC where upgrades were underway and convinced them to hand over their bank details.
In June, a bank stopped a transaction from a resident in Sea Lake Vic, who had been duped into paying for a new modem for their fibre upgrade.
nbn advised its technicians would contact people to ensure they were aware of visits before appointments and where they were doing fibre upgrades in any given area.
They also send text messages to customers in the days before an appointment asking them to confirm or cancel the appointment, as well as let customers know when they are on their way.
Nbn technicians never seek payment for an appointment, postage costs, hardware costs or ask to access anyone’s computers or devices.
Nbn Local head Chris Cusack said the scammers impersonated their staff, offering to check residents’ phone and internet services and using the presence of nbn vehicles in 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,” 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 said authorised technicians would never ask for payment, but nbn approved technicians and worked carry identification cards.
He suggested customers always request to see the card before providing physical access to the address.
“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 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.”