Spark customers targeted by scam phone calls

Tuesday, 10 November 2015, 11:45 am
Press Release: Spark

Spark customers targeted by scam phone calls

“We will never ring customers out of the blue and ask them for personal information like bank details or passwords.” – Bridgette Dalzell, Spark GM for Customer Services

Spark is warning its customers to beware of phone calls from fraudsters, who are claiming to be from Spark and then asking customers either for personal details – such as bank or credit card details – or demanding money is transferred to an offshore bank account.

The fraudsters are reportedly telling customers their Spark services will be cut off due to security issues unless they change their settings or clean up their computers. The customers are then directed to a website where they are asked to download some software or give the caller remote access to their computer and provide personal banking information. Sometimes they are instructed to leave their phone off the hook for several days following the ‘setting change’ as part of this scam.

In some instances the fraudsters are giving customers a made-up “employee number” to verify their identity, and are gaining access to people’s bank accounts by claiming customers have exceeded their data limit and need to hand over credit card details to cover the cost.

How to avoid being scammed

GM Customer Service Bridgette Dalzell said that it’s vitally important that customers do not visit fraudulent webpages, or provide any personal banking information.

“The most important thing to remember is that we will never ring customers out of the blue and ask them for personal information such as bank details or passwords. If you receive a call out of the blue from someone claiming to be from Spark who asks you for personal details, you should end the call as quickly as possible.

“These fraudsters appear to be actively monitoring our activity and copying our methods of communication, so we know it can be difficult for customers to tell the different between genuine calls and fake ones.

“Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of this scam and who has passed on bank account details or logged into online banking while on one of these calls, should contact their bank immediately.”

Spark customers who wish to share details of scam calls, or who have any particular concerns, should email scamhelp@spark.co.nz.

Ms Dalzell assured customers that the fraudsters do not have access to Spark’s systems.

Pamphlets and posters with more information on the scam, including ways to keep your personal information safe, are available on request. Spark will send these materials out to community groups who send their mailing address and the quantities they require.

ENDS

© Scoop Media