As the NBN rollout continues around Australia, scammers are taking advantage of the situation by contacting consumers and claiming that they need bank account details in order to get services over the NBN.
According to consumer watchdog SCAMwatch, scammers are phoning or emailing consumers and pretending to be from NBN Co, a government agency or a service provider. Some scammers are also telling consumers that they need to buy equipment to use services over the NBN.
“NBN Co is the company responsible for the NBN rollout. It is a wholesale network provider and does not provide retail services to consumers. It is unlikely that NBN Co will ask consumers for personal bank or credit card details,” said a SCAMwatch spokesperson.
Consumers are advised to hang up on the scammer or ignore their email.
“The best approach is to call your preferred service provider using the number they list in the telephone directory or on their official website,” said a SCAMwatch spokesperson.
The spokesperson added that there may be certain circumstances where people need new equipment – such as a household or medical alarm- when they switch over to the NBN.
“Do not purchase any new equipment before speaking with your telecommunications service provider or your equipment provider.”
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