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Have you had a call from Telstra recently? Fingers crossed it was the real deal, because Telstra has warned customers that there is a serious computer scam going around. So serious, in fact, that one of my clients got done for $5,000!
How this Telstra Scam Works
You get a cold call from someone claiming to be Telstra customer service. They have your name, address, and account details. But it isn’t Telstra. It’s a scammer, and they’ve illegally acquired your information somehow.
They will tell you that there is a problem with your computer which is causing issues for you and for the Telstra network.
They ask you to download some software, such as Team Viewer, giving them remote access to your computer. From there, they show you a fake website, then a fake error message. They then advise that it will cost you $300 for them to fix it and advise that you must pay this because you’re causing problems for the Telstra network.
That’s when you hand over your credit card details, and before you know it, they max it out. They’ve even been known to ask for the name and phone numbers of friends – referrals – ie: other people they can scam.
How to Protect Yourself from Computer Scams
Here are a few tips to help you protect your computer and personal information against this scam and others:
- If you have any doubts regarding the legitimacy of caller who claims to represent a business or organisation, follow your gut. Contact the business or organisation directly before handing over personal details.
- If Telstra cold calls you regarding an issue with your internet connection, hang up immediately.
- Be aware of scammers’ emotionally manipulative language. Their scripts are carefully designed to make you believe they’re telling the truth.
- Keep in mind that scammers can contact you even if you have a private number. Scammers usually get hold of your number illegally, or from somewhere public, such as the telephone book.
- Do not allow anyone to access your computer remotely over the phone, unless you trust them completely.
- Keep computer security up to date using anti-virus software scans. If you suspect you have a virus, and want some professional help, learn more about our computer repairs service, or give us a call on 1300 553 166.
- Do not give credit card details to strangers over the phone, even if they claim to be from a reputable business or organisation. If you think you have given your bank details to a scammer, contact your bank.
If you have been scammed, call us ASAP!
If you suspect malware or a virus has infected your computer, let us know right away. The sooner we clean things up, the less damage is done. Call us on 1300 553 166, or fill out the form on the right-hand side of this page.
I normally don’t pick up calls from unknown numbers but I’ve just started a job and I don’t know everybody’s mobile numbers yet. So thinking it was a colleague, I picked up today. It was this exact scam. The guy was insisting that my internet was slow. I watch a couple of scam baiters on Youtube (Kitboga, Scammer Payback) so getting a scam call gave me a bit of a giggle.
Having said all that, nearly every time we’ve needed a Telstra technician, the actual Telstra techs were from India or surrounding countries, so I can see how people could be tricked into thinking someone with that sort of accent could be legit.