MEDIA RELEASE | STAY ALERT FOR SCAMMERS

Published on 05 April 2024

WEDDIN SHIRE COUNCIL |MEDIA RELEASE(PDF, 280KB)

STAY ALERT FOR SCAMMERS

Issue Date: 5 April 2024

Weddin Shire Council has become aware of an increase in scammers operating in Central West NSW. In particular, Council is aware of a coordinated group of criminals operating in Young NSW, impersonating NBN Co technicians. These criminals are door knocking and charging residents to test their phone and internet and in the process, skimming bank cards. Weddin Shire Council wishes to advise that there is no connection between the Weddin Shire Council Low Earth Orbiting Satellite Internet Subsidy and NBN Co.

A representative from Council’s Low Earth Orbiting Satellite Internet Subsidy will never knock on your door to discuss the subsidy program, will never ask you to pay to access the subsidy program, nor will they ever request physical access to your address. The Council program is a reimbursement program; all money is reimbursed by Council to you and will be transferred directly into your nominated bank account.

Mayor Craig Bembrick implored the community “Do not provide any personal details or bank account details over the phone or to door knockers. Council’s subsidy program is processed entirely through Council’s established mail system. Council’s subsidy program runs until 30 April 2024, and currently the only suppliers of eligible technology are Telstra and Starlink. Neither of these providers will contact you in relation to the Council subsidy program.” 

NBN Co head of NSW Local, Tom O’Dea confirmed “As a wholesaler, NBN does not sell internet services or other related products directly to local homes and businesses.”

Weddin Shire Council is urging locals to be vigilant to ensure they are not scammed. Common indicators of a scam are: someone tricking you into believing you’re getting an incredible deal, someone using your good nature against you, someone trying to catch you off guard, someone not letting you take your time to think things through or someone asking you to pay in specific ways.

If you want to learn more about identifying scams, visit the Federal Government Scamwatch website www.scamwatch.gov.au

Should you have any queries relating to the Weddin Shire Council Low Earth Orbiting Satellite Internet Subsidy contact Council’s Economic Development Officer Auburn Carr on 02 6343 1864 or auburn@weddin.nsw.gov.au

END

Noreen Vu
GENERAL MANAGER