Optus customers: See our Optus data breach scams page for more information about the breach and how to protect yourself.

Scamwatch is warning Optus customers to be on the look out for scams and take steps to secure their personal information following a cyber-attack.

A cyber-attack has resulted in the release of Optus customers’ personal information. If you are an Optus customer your name, date of birth, phone number, email addresses may have been released. For some customers identity document numbers such as driver’s licence or passport numbers could be in the hands of criminals. It is important to be aware that you be may be at risk of identity theft and take urgent action to prevent harm.

Optus customers should take immediate steps to secure all of their accounts, particularly their bank and financial accounts. You should also  monitor for unusual activity on your accounts and watch out for contact by scammers.

Steps you can take to protect your personal information include:

  • Secure your devices and monitor for unusual activity
  • Change your online account passwords and enable multi factor authentication for banking
  • Check your accounts for unusual activity such as items you haven’t purchased
  • Place limits on your accounts or ask you bank how you can secure your money
  • If you suspect fraud you can request a ban on your credit report.

More information about how to protect yourself is available on the OAIC website.

Check the Optus website for information and contact Optus via the My Optus App or call 133 937.

Scammers may use your personal information to contact you by phone, text or email. Never click on links or provide personal or financial information to someone who contacts you out of the blue. Learn how to protect yourself from scams by visiting www.scamwatch.gov.au

If you are concerned that your identity has been compromised or you have been a victim of a scam contact your bank immediately and call IDCARE on 1800 595 160. IDCARE is Australia’s national identity and cyber support service, to get expert advice from a specialist identity and cyber security service. You can also report scams to Scamwatch www.scamwatch.gov.au and check cyber.gov.au for information about cyber security.

Read more

Remote access scams try to convince you that you have a computer or internet problem and that you need to buy new software to fix the problem.
Identity theft is a type of fraud that involves using someone else's identity to steal money or gain other benefits.
Hacking occurs when a scammer gains access to your personal information by using technology to break into your computer, mobile device or network.