Are you ready to get ScamFit?
Every dollar – or piece of personal information – lost to scammers is one too many.
That’s the way we feel here at nbn, and it’s why we’re committed to empowering the community with knowledge, education and information to help protect us all from the scourge of scams.
Already this year, according to Scamwatch, Australians have reported a record $211 million in losses to scams, with people aged 65 years and older losing the most.
Scammers are increasingly using trusted brands, like nbn, to trick unsuspecting customers into parting with their hard-earned cash or personal information.
More than $1.4 million has been lost so far this year to nbn-related scams, a significant jump from 2020 when total annual losses reached just over $1 million.
But, now for the good news: while anyone can get scammed, anyone can also get ‘ScamFit’. And that includes older Australians.
Are you ready to get ScamFit?
At nbn, we’re on a mission to help 10,000 older Australians get ScamFit by providing them with the skills and education needed to fight-back against scammers.
Put simply, getting ScamFit is about learning how to protect yourself from the dangers of scams, and knowing what to do if – despite your best efforts – you find yourself the victim of a scam.
Start here by watching these quick and easy videos covering our most important scam-fighting tips:
Are you ScamFit?
What to do if you’ve been scammed
Sharing information and protecting yourself
Is it really nbn? Tips to spot a scam
To help you identify a scam, remember:
nbn will never…
- call and ask to access your computer or advise that you’re going to be disconnected
As a wholesaler, we do not sell phone or internet services directly to the public.
- make automated calls, such as robocalls, to advise of disconnections from the nbn™ network or existing copper phone line services
Do not engage with these calls.
This means you should:
- never give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer or devices by installing programs, such as Team Viewer
- never share financial information – for example, bank, credit or gift card details – or personal details with an unsolicited caller or door knockers trying to seek payment for a service over the nbn™ network
- hang up and call your phone and internet provider, if in doubt, using their official customer service centre phone number (shown on your bill or on their company website) to check if the call is legitimate
Do not use contact details supplied by the caller.
Join a ScamFit Workout
As part of our ScamFit program, we’re running a series of workshops for older Australians across the country.
We’re kicking off with a joint ScamFit ‘Workout’, hosted in partnership with the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association (ASCCA), the national peak body for seniors and technology.
“People often underestimate older Australians, especially when it comes to technology,” says Nan Bosler, spokesperson for ASCCA.
“But, given the right skills and training, there’s no reason older Australians can’t arm ourselves against scammers – and maybe even help teach younger Aussies a thing or two about getting ScamFit.”
The Workout is open to all Australians and registration is free.
We’ll also be running a series of online information events for businesses and other members of the community in support of National Scams Awareness Week. Find a ScamFit Workshop or local event.
You’re not alone
Remember, scams impact Australians of all ages.
Scammers are smart – they know what to say to sound convincing over the phone, and they can create a sense of urgency or confusion to put their victim off-kilter.
When cornered by a scammer, many people don’t know how to shut down the conversation or avoid being tricked into making a mistake.
As the nation’s digital backbone, we’re proud to be helping Australians get ScamFit by giving you and your loved ones the skills to fight back.