NBN / telco disconnection scam
Robocalls saying your internet will be cut off in two hours.
How it works
A robocall claims to be NBN Co or Telstra: your line has been linked to illegal activity and will be cut off. To 'verify', you're transferred to a 'technician' who walks you into installing remote-access software or paying a 'reconnection fee'.
Common scenarios to watch for
This scam shows up in several different shapes. Recognise the pattern, not just one message.
Robocall disconnection threat
Press 1 to speak to a 'technician' who walks you into installing remote-access software.
"This is NBN. Your line will be disconnected in 2 hours for fraudulent use. Press 1 now."
Red flags to spot
- Did you receive an automated call threatening disconnection?
- Are you being asked to press a number to 'speak to a technician'?
- Is the caller creating extreme urgency (2 hours, today)?
- Does NBN Co actually make threatening calls about disconnection? (No.)
Fake fibre-upgrade fee
Caller claims your area is being upgraded to fibre and needs a one-off $199 connection fee.
"NBN upgrade — your address requires $199 connection fee, refundable on first bill. Card details please."
Red flags to spot
- Are you being asked to pay an upfront fee for an NBN upgrade?
- Is the caller claiming the fee is 'refundable' on your first bill?
- Can you verify any planned upgrades through nbnco.com.au?
- Are they asking for card details over the phone?
'Reconnection compensation'
After a real outage, scammers call offering compensation that requires bank login to deposit.
"NBN compensation for the recent outage — $80 credit, just verify your bank to deposit."
Red flags to spot
- Did someone call offering compensation for an outage you experienced?
- Are they asking for your bank login details to 'deposit' the credit?
- Can you verify any compensation through your ISP or nbnco.com.au directly?
- Is the offer only available if you act during this phone call?
Red flags
- 🚩Pre-recorded voice threatening disconnection
- 🚩Asked to press 1 to speak to a technician
- 🚩Asked to install AnyDesk / TeamViewer
- 🚩Pays via gift cards or crypto
What to do
- 1Hang up. NBN Co never calls residential customers.
- 2Call your retail provider using the number on your bill.
- 3Block the number and report to Scamwatch.
Who's targeted
- Seniors and households with landlines.
- Migrants unfamiliar with how NBN actually contacts customers.
Why it works
- Threat of disconnection in '2 hours' triggers panic action.
- Robocalls can run thousands of attempts an hour at near-zero cost.
Common variations
Different shapes of the same scam — recognise the pattern.
- 1'Press 1 for technician' robocall.
- 2Caller asking to install remote-access software.
- 3Door-to-door 'NBN upgrade' selling a contract switch.
If you've already been scammed
- 1Uninstall any remote-access apps and disconnect from the internet.
- 2Call your real retail provider using the number on your bill.
- 3Report to Scamwatch and your provider.
Frequently asked
Does NBN Co ever call me?▾
No — NBN Co only deals with retailers, not residential customers.
Can my internet really be cut off?▾
Not without weeks of notice via your retailer in writing.
What if I pressed 1?▾
Hang up if you can. If you installed anything, treat it as a takeover attempt.
Related scams
Connected patterns you should also learn — ranked by how much they overlap with this one.
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