BE ALERT: Strathalbyn resident’s NBN scam warning

A Strathalbyn grandmother has issued a community warning after recently falling victim to an NBN scam.

Gwenda Knights was going about her business when she received a call on her landline from a friendly imposter, claiming her household, due to recent neighbourhood works, required a new internet modem. 

Unsuspecting, Mrs Knights innocently revealed her bank details to the scammer over the phone to avoid losing internet access.   

“I should have woken up to it, and I feel really thoughtless,” she admitted. 

“The man who said he was called Denver claimed to be from the NBN and that they needed to put in a new modem. 

“That is how they got into my bank account, because I had to pay for the modem.

“He was very convincing, because of the fact that he knew all of the other streets in the vicinity, and the modem was to arrive between 9am and 9.30am the next morning, which it obviously didn’t.”

Mrs Knights recognised scammers often prey on the community’s most vulnerable, particularly elderly residents.

“He possibly had found out I was an older person and didn’t have my wits about me that day, but because he sounded so convincing, he had me on the phone for about 40min,” she said.

“He had our house on satellite because he wanted to know what the big structure was next door, which was the water tower. 

“He had done due diligence in doing his research. 

“It made me feel terrible knowing someone, somewhere in the world knew exactly where I was.

“It really is scary… frightening really, because you just don’t know where they get all this information and the community needs to be aware.”

An SA Police spokesperson told The Southern Argus the importance of remembering that anyone can potentially be a scam victim. 

“Scams can occur over the telephone, online or via the post, but the one thing they have in common is that it will result in the scammer seeking an amount of money at some time,” the spokesperson said. 

“South Australia Police urge people to never give out personal or banking details over the telephone – irrespective of who the caller claims to work for. 

“Reputable organisations do not request banking details over the telephone or via email. 

 “If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.”

Fortunately, Mrs Knights’ bank was already aware of the scam and froze her account before funds could be accessed. 

“The reason I found out was the bank, fortunately, had picked up the problem and closed my account,” she said.

“We don’t believe they got any money in the end, but there were things pending.

“For that I am really proud (my bank) was on the ball.”

Anyone who has been a victim of such a scam is encouraged to report it via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

To learn more about different types of scams and how to protect yourself visit (www.scamwatch.gov.au) or (www.police.sa.gov.au/scams).