The scammer calls claiming to be from the National Broadband Network (NBN) and warns that if you don’t act on the call by pressing one on the keypad, your telephone will be cut off within the next 24 hours.

Scamwatch advises recipients of such a call to immediately hang-up and report the matter to them. 

Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has asked Dubbo residents to protect themselves from NBN scams.

“Scammers are increasingly taking the opportunity to impersonate NBN Co and take advantage of consumers, including those living in retirement villages,” he said.

“You can protect your personal information by being on guard, verify who are you are talking to and not giving your personal details or bank account details to an unsolicited caller.”

NBN Co is the company building and operating Australia’s wholesale broadband network, and as a wholesale-only company, they do not sell broadband packages directly to consumers. 

Mr Coulton said there are times when NBN Co may make direct contact as part of the network rollout, but never to request payment for services over the NBN network.

“NBN Co will never make unsolicited calls or door knock to sell broadband services, and will never request payment or bank account details,” he said.

If you think you have been a victim report the scam to the police and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission via SCAMwatch at (www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam) or by calling 1300 795 995.