WIMMERA residents and Australian broadband network operator NBN Co have urged people to be aware of scam calls in the region.
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NBN Co chief security officer Darren Kane said a scam where callers posed as broadband network staff had targeted people across the country – including those in some Wimmera retirement villages.
Many parts of the Wimmera have access to the National Broadband Network, while construction is continuing in other areas including Stawell, Ararat and Warracknabeal.
Kurrajong Lodge Horsham leisure and lifestyle co-ordinator Lauris Logan said lodge residents had received multiple calls from NBN Co impersonators.
She said it was deplorable that scammers preyed on people’s vulnerabilities.
“They give the residents all sorts of numbers to call,” she said.
”Most residents have phones in their rooms, and a lot of the residents know to be aware of those sorts of calls.
“But occasionally someone will get caught, and before they know it they've given their details.
“That's where the problem is. It's upsetting for them.
“You’ve got to put it out there and hope you protect someone from losing money by making them aware of these scams.
“It’s a warning to everyone – not just elderly people – to not give any details and just hang the phone up.”
A Stawell resident who asked to remain anonymous said her elderly mother had received two calls in one day this month from people claiming to be calling about the NBN.
“One person told her that her phone would be disconnected, and to please hold,” she said.
“Mum waited for a while and then hung up.”
The resident said her mother became suspicious on the second call, and called Telstra.
“The NBN is being installed around town and it's very visible that it's being installed,” she said.
“There are plenty of elderly people in the community who might be getting these phone calls and could be quite distraught.
“The scammers are getting beyond a joke.”
Mr Kane said NBN Co would never make unsolicited calls or door knock to sell broadband services.
“NBN Co may make calls to individuals registered on our Medical Alarm or Fire and Lift registers but will never request payment or bank account details during these calls,” he said.
“There are times when NBN Co may contact you directly as part of the network rollout, but never to request payment for services over the NBN network.
“Protect your personal information by being on guard, verify who are you are talking to, and do not give your personal details or bank account details to an unsolicited caller.”
Mr Kane said people should call police and their bank if they thought they had been scammed.
He said people could also report scams at www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam.