Scammers are pretending they’re from reputable brands to steal your data

You may remember our article last year warning businesses to beware of people falsely claiming to be from NBN. This time, it’s scammers calling victims pretending to be from Telstra.

Several clients are experiencing dodgy phone calls pretending to be from reputable brands with the goal of stealing your sensitive data or money. itro recommends if you or a colleague receive a call like this, to question it first before putting details into a website or email or even over the phone. Always check with your current provider before giving away information or making changes.

This is not a new tactic 

Almost 33,000 people reported threat-based impersonation scams in 2017. (Scams Awareness Week, 2017).

There is an abundance of stories circulating about how people have lost money from sorts of scams. Read some of the cases reported by Telstra and Sydney Morning Herald:

• The marathon scam phone call
• How to spot a scammer
• Scammers pretend they’re from Telstra, ATO, Centrelink, to steal money

How threat-based impersonation scams work: 

These sorts of scams come in all shapes and sizes. Such as, emails, call or even someone knocking on your front door. However, scammers will generally follow the below pattern:

1. Someone will call, email or knock on your door saying they are a representative from a trusted organisation, such as Telstra or NBN.
2. They will warn you of a problem, urgent invoice to be paid or a security threat
3. They may ask for remote access to your PC or laptop
4. They will demand payment through iTunes vouchers, Bitcoin, wire transfer or ask for personal information
5. They might threaten you disconnecting your internet, phones ect

Tips for if you are unsure

1. Before proceeding with the call, try to verify who they say they are through a legitimate independent source. Such as, an online search or a phone book. 
   
2. Call the company number listed on their official website, don’t use any contact details provided by the caller as they are likely fake.
3. Don’t ever allow someone remote access to your computer unless you are certain the call is safe. 
4. Any requests for payments through iTunes card, bitcoin or gift card are generally phony.
5. Always call itro, we prefer your business to be safe rather than sorry