VIPtel customers targeted by scammers

David Heath
Friday, 24 June 2011 12:44

IT Policy - Regulation

The ACCC is warning VIPtel customers of a highly targeted scam.  Hint: you're not due a refund!

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has received more than 60 complains over the past three months detailing a scam being perpetrated against current and former VIPtel customers.

The ACCC is warning people "to not respond to any phone calls offering them a refund in exchange for payment of a fee.

"In order to obtain the promised refund, which the scammer claims is the result of court action, customers are required to pay a fee via money transfer."

"This is a scam, there is no refund available and any money sent will be lost," ACCC deputy chair Peter Kell said. "The ACCC advises VIPtel customers to hang up and not send any money."

Another aspect to the scam has the caller claiming to be from Centrelink or some other government department; or even claiming to be a lawyer.

M2 Viptel Pty Ltd is currently operating all VIPtel Mobile customer contracts and is actively warning all customers via SMS, invoices and on its website.

There has been no information provided as to how the scammers obtained the customer list; the ACCC has been contacted for further information in this regard.