Is this bill or text from NBN Co a scam?
Telcos like NBN Co are impersonated with fake bill, refund and account-suspension messages designed to rush you into clicking. A text, email or call that looks like it's from NBN Co can be genuine — but it can just as easily be a scam built to look identical. The good news: a few quick checks almost always tell a real NBN Co message from a fake.
Genuine NBN Co links only ever go to nbnco.com.au. Below is exactly what a real NBN Co message looks like, the scams currently circulating in its name, the red flags that give a fake away, and a real example to compare against. Got a message in front of you? Check it now for an instant verdict.
What a real NBN Co message looks like
Genuine messages from NBN Co only ever link to nbnco.com.au.
- NBN Co never phones households directly; all customer contact about connections or faults comes from your retail broadband provider.
- Genuine NBN Co communications use only the domain nbnco.com.au and never ask you to click links in unsolicited messages.
- NBN Co will not request remote-desktop access or passwords over the phone.
- Official NBN Co updates about network maintenance or outages appear on the nbnco.com.au website or through your provider’s own channels.
- NBN Co does not send SMS messages from short codes or unknown numbers; any such text is not from them.
Crucially, NBN Co will never threaten to disconnect your service within hours unless you click a link or pay immediately.
Common NBN Co scams
- Cold callers claiming your NBN service will be cut off unless you pay for an immediate upgrade.
- Scammers posing as NBN technicians who insist on remote access to your computer to ‘fix’ a non-existent fault.
- Emails or texts urging you to click a link to ‘book your free NBN installation’ or schedule a technician visit.
Red flags to watch for
- An unexpected phone call from someone claiming to represent NBN Co.
- Any request to install software or allow remote access to your computer.
- Urgent language stating your service will be disconnected today unless you act.
- Messages that arrive from a mobile number or short code rather than your retail provider.
- Links pointing to domains other than nbnco.com.au.
Scam text examples
Here's a real example of a scam message impersonating NBN Co, with the tell-tale red flags highlighted. Compare it against anything you've received.
Hi, this is NBN Co. Your connection will be suspended in 24 hours unless you upgrade. Please visit nbnco-secure-update.com.au now to book your free speed boost.
What gives it away:
- An unexpected phone call from someone claiming to represent NBN Co.
- Any request to install software or allow remote access to your computer.
- Urgent language stating your service will be disconnected today unless you act.
- Messages that arrive from a mobile number or short code rather than your retail provider.
- Links pointing to domains other than nbnco.com.au.
Not sure about your message?
Paste the suspicious NBN Co text or email and get an instant scam verdict, free.
How to verify a message from NBN Co
- Visit nbnco.com.au and use the contact form or live chat.
- Log in to your retail provider’s app or website to report NBN faults or check status.
- Type nbnco.com.au yourself in the browser rather than following any link.
Where to report a scam impersonating NBN Co
Received — or fell for — a message impersonating NBN Co? Report it. It helps authorities and carriers shut the campaign down for everyone who gets the next one.
- Scamwatch — Report the scam to the ACCC's national scam service.
- ReportCyber — Report cybercrime and financial loss to the police.
- ACMA — Report scam texts and spam SMS or calls.
- Forward to 7226 (SPAM) — Forward the scam SMS to short code 7226 so your carrier can block the source.
- IDCARE — Free identity and cyber support if your details were taken.
Frequently asked questions
I received a call saying it’s from NBN Co — is it a scam?
Yes. NBN Co does not cold-call customers; any such call is a scam. Hang up and contact your retail provider through their official app or website.
NBN Co text message with a link — real or fake?
NBN Co does not send SMS messages. Delete the text and, if concerned, check your connection status by typing nbnco.com.au directly into your browser.
Someone claiming to be NBN tech support wants remote access — what should I do?
Never grant remote access to an unsolicited caller. Close the call and report it at scamwatch.gov.au.
How do I check if an email about NBN is genuine?
Only trust emails that come from an address ending in @nbnco.com.au and never click links; instead, go straight to nbnco.com.au yourself.
Related scam types
Scams impersonating NBN Co usually fit one of these patterns. Learn how each works:
Related brands
Other telco names scammers impersonate — check a message from one:
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice — always verify with NBN Co through an official channel.