Spark is warning customers about cold-calling fraudsters claiming to be from the telco and urges customers who believe they have been scammed to call the Spark Scam Hotline.
The fraudsters are reportedly telling customers that their Spark services will be cut off unless they change their settings or clean up their computers. The customers are then directed to a website where they are asked to download software, from which the fraudsters can gain remote access to their computer.
Customers are being asked by the fraudsters to log on to their personal online banking, and switch off their mobile phones. Spark understands the fraudsters are attempting to keep customers on the phone until they surrender their bank account details. In some instances, they are giving customers a made-up "employee number", or phoning back multiple times after the initial conversation to verify their identity.
A Spark spokeswoman said it was vitally important customers did not visit the fraudulent webpage, provide any personal banking information, or log on to their online banking. If they have any doubts about a phone call's legitimacy, they should end the call immediately, and ring Spark's Scam Helpline on 123 option 9, to check.
"These scammers are very aggressive and very convincing, so we know it can be difficult for customers to tell the difference between genuine calls and fake ones.
