Ombudsman welcomes Government project to reduce scam calls

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman welcomes the announcement by the Australian Communications and Media Authority of the terms of reference to explore ways to disrupt scam activity on telecommunications networks.

A recently published TIO systemic investigation into mobile phone fraud highlighted some of the methods scammers are employing to impersonate consumers, deceive mobile service providers, and steal consumer’s mobile numbers. In some cases consumers reported having their bank accounts drained and identities stolen leading to financial loss and emotional harm.

Ombudsman Judi Jones says, “Having access to phone and internet services is an important part of daily life for all Australians. Scammers take advantage of our need to be connected, and this is an issue for both the telco industry and consumers.

“Yesterday’s announcement by the ACMA and supporting agencies is a positive step toward protecting our telecommunications networks and we look forward to contributing to this project.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

For all media enquiries please contact Sarah Carnovale on 0437 548 540 or [email protected] .

About the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) provides a free and independent dispute service for small business and residential consumers who have an unresolved complaint about their telephone or internet service in Australia.

Residential consumers and small businesses should contact www.tio.com.au or 1800 062 058.

The Telecommunications Industry Sector

The Telecommunications industry regulators are the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) http://www.acma.gov.au Media enquiries to (02) 9334 7719 or [email protected] and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) https://www.accc.gov.au Media enquiries to 1300 138 917, [email protected] After hours 0408 995 408.

Government and the regulators set policy and regulations for the telecommunications sector.

Communications Alliance is the peak body for Australian communications industry http://www.commsalliance.com.au Media enquiries to Sefiani Communications, (www.sefiani.com.au) 61 431 478 558.

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) is Australia’s peak communications consumer organisation representing individuals, small businesses and not-for-profit groups as consumers of communications products and services. http://accan.org.au/index.php Media enquiries to 0409 966 931 or 02 9288 4000.

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and extend our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples from all nations of this land.