Local residents are warned about a number of telephone scams that are being conducted throughout Bonner and the greater Brisbane area targeting aged care facilities, retirement villages, and seniors.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said scammers are increasingly taking the opportunity to impersonate NBN Co and take advantage of consumers.

“I’ve received reports from a number of my constituents, and heard directly from NBN Co, that opportunistic criminals are calling people pretending to be NBN representatives, and that most recently they’ve been targeting retirement villages,” Mr Vasta said.

“People should know that NBN Co does not make unsolicited calls or door knock to sell broadband services.

“While NBN Co does make unsolicited calls, they do not make calls requesting for payment in relation to matters relating to medical alarms, or any other matter.”

Wynnum resident Jackie Butler said she had been disturbed by a recent call from a scammer claiming to be from NBN Co.

“They were using an automated voice and said my phone line would be cut off in 24 hours if I didn’t press button 1 for a technician,” Mrs Butler said.

“I was very upset because they were so threatening. It’s wrong and should be reported.”

Mr Vasta advised people to protect their personal information by being on guard, verifying who they are talking to, and not giving personal details or bank account details to any unsolicited callers.

Those who think they have been a victim should immediately report the scam to their bank or financial institution. People are also encouraged to report scams via the SCAMwatch report scam page.

For more information on NBN scams visit www.scamwatch.gov.au.