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Warning as NBN scam complaints rise in WA with 700 recorded since October

The West Australian
VideoDebunking the myths around getting up to speed and switching to the NBN

Complaints about NBN scammers have gone through the roof, with up to 700 calls received by the telecommunications company since October.

The total number of complaints has risen by 84 per cent, leading to NBN Co issuing advice today on how to identify and avoid scammers posing as NBN workers.

Head of NBNlocal for WA Jane McNamara said the organisation urged residents and businesses to be vigilant of callers claiming to be from NBN requesting personal or financial information.

“We will never make unsolicited calls or door knock to sell broadband services to the public,” she said.

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“We will never request remote access to a resident’s computer and we will never make unsolicited requests for payment or financial information.

“Protect yourself by verifying who are you are talking to. If in doubt, hang up and call your retail service provider customer service centre to check if the call is legitimate.”

Ms McNamara said the key point of contact for anyone connecting to the NBN network should always be the telecommunications providers, such as Telstra or Optus.

“NBN Co is a wholesale-only company and does not sell services directly to the public,” she said.

Tips for avoiding scammers:

  • If someone claiming to work for NBNhas contacted you trying to sell you an internet or phone service and you’re in doubt, ask for their details, hang up and call your retail service provider to check if they’re legitimate.
  • Do not share your bank or personal details with an unsolicited caller or with those who door knock claiming to be from NBN trying to sell you an NBN service or seek payment for related services.
  • NBN-approved technicians and workers carry enAble™ identification cards – always request to see this card before providing physical access to your address.
  • Never give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer via the installation of programs such as Team Viewer.
  • NBN does not call you with automated assistance to advise you will be disconnected – we suggest you hang up the phone.
  • NBN is a ‘wholesaler’ – you will need to purchase an NBN powered plan through a phone or internet provider. We only accept direct payment from the public in certain circumstances such as switching technologies at your premises.

Click here for more information about potential NBN scams.

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