Australian consumers are reporting having their bank accounts drained by fraudsters and their email inboxes accessed in the latest scam involving theft of mobile numbers, according to the newly published report on fraud from the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman.

The rate of consumer complaints in Australia about telecommunications services fell further in the most recent quarter – generating the best results seen since 2015.

Telecommunications industry lobby group Communications Alliance has cautioned against Australian Government recommendations that could threaten the TIO’s independence by placing the ombudsman under the control of ACMA but welcomed the Government’s decision to “retain” the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman.