Update My CC Expiry Date for Optus Bill They Wanted Remote Access to My Computer

RobMel on 21/10/2016 - 17:46

Hi,
Just wanted to update my CC expiry date for my direct debit Optus bill.
They wanted me to download some remote access software from a site I never heard off and show me how to do it online.
I already had a look at their online site, it seem to require to download a form, so not sure what other idea they had in mind.

I flat out refused to run some unknown executable from an unknown site to grant them remote access.
Eventually they accepted my updated details over the phone, still not really secure.

I am just astounded.
If they do indeed have a way to actually update the expiry date online on the account page it is very well hidden indeed.
Also insisting on asking customer to provide remote access via some unheard of download is rather concerning.

Might have to re-consider who to go with when my contract expires. Cant wait for NBN here to get a real choice.

Cheers

Internet

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Comments

  • mskeggs on 21/10/2016 - 17:56
    +6

    Wut?
    Are you sure they didn't called you about the "problem"?
    Sounds like the scam I get from offshore call centres "Bigpond Technical Support" or "Microsoft Security Services".
    I usually play along if I have time, if they are on the phone to me they aren't scamming somebody who might fall for it.

  • rgr on 21/10/2016 - 18:04
    +6

    you sound like a tech illiterate person who just almost got scammed. honestly, just hang up next time.

    • Kangal on 21/10/2016 - 18:17

      Roger that.

      Hanging up leaves them feeling weak and miserable.

    • fruit on 21/10/2016 - 19:12

      Did you read OPs messages, they don't seem tech illiterate.

      • rgr on 21/10/2016 - 20:51
        +1

        dude, the moment they ask you to install stuff for CC details online, you hang up. anyone who knows any better would realise that they can provide their CC themselves, and not have to be asked to do via suspicious means.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 22/10/2016 - 09:28

      you sound like a tech illiterate person who just almost got scammed.

      Almost?

      From OP:

      Eventually they accepted my updated details over the phone,

      • rgr on 22/10/2016 - 12:45

        well whatever the case may be, he should've known better.

  • RobMel on 21/10/2016 - 18:15

    I called them. They said they needed remote access to show me how to update the CC details online.
    But it was very concerning.

  • ihbh on 21/10/2016 - 18:39
    +1

    Hi,

    If there is any fraud, then be careful because these guys can be very good. I tell my mom to email or call me before doing anything out of the ordinary.

    Just in case, have a watch of this documentary - it's a real eye opener. http://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep1week22/fraud-how-they-stea…

    Also the one called "Fraud - How Safe is Your Money".

  • Diji1 on 21/10/2016 - 18:53

    Sounds like a scam - stay the hell away.

  • fruit on 21/10/2016 - 19:04
    +1

    Just wanted to update my CC expiry date for my direct debit Optus bill.

    Did you call them?
    If so what number did you dial?

    Could you please pm me the url they told you to go to?

    • blitz on 21/10/2016 - 23:55

      OP I'd like to know this too

      • RobMel on 22/10/2016 - 07:52

        Was definitely the right number work in Cyber Security and am somewhat paranoid with these things.
        Called them on 133066 as per their legitimate website.

  • havebeerbelywillsumo on 21/10/2016 - 19:13

    This sounds ultra dodgy especially if you were cold called……if you gave the caller any details (guessing they may already have a name if they were using some sort of reverse calling directory so they already have some data to add to whatever you may have supplied) eg card number, I'd contact your credit provider(s) and explain what happened and ask "should I do anything to protect myself".

    I can't be more specific as I simply would not give such a caller anything at all and hang up ASAP so have not been in the situation as you outlined…not having a go at you when I say that by the way, we all "live and learn".

    Oh, just saw " I called them" I'd want to know where you got the calling number then because either you're faking or you have been faked IMO.

    • RobMel on 22/10/2016 - 07:53

      Sorry I called them on a legit number … see above.. I just think Optus seem yo use now highly suspicious practices.

  • scrimshaw on 21/10/2016 - 19:27
    +2

    Never give anyone remote access to your computer. If they need to show you how to use a website, you should visit them in person at one of their branches and use their computers instead.

  • loulou1 on 21/10/2016 - 21:33
    +4

    Did the number you called come from an email or from a previous bill or from their website?
    I recently received an email advising me to update my payment details and to either click the link or call a provided number to do so. It was a fake. Always source the number yourself and never click links.

    • mskeggs on 21/10/2016 - 21:44

      This seems like a possible avenue that the scam took. I'm glad the OP had the sense to ignore the request to install software.

      • RobMel on 22/10/2016 - 07:55

        The number was definitely legit 13 30 66 form optus website.. I dont click email links to website. Even if my Kapsersky would let it through :P

  • outlander on 21/10/2016 - 22:34
    +1

    Probably some $5 a day call centre staff looking to supplement their income.

  • garetz on 22/10/2016 - 00:28
    -2

    Sounds like you gave your details to a scammer.

    • RobMel on 22/10/2016 - 07:56

      nope was legit call centre … just think Optus practices leaves a LOT to be desired

  • cheapisgood on 22/10/2016 - 00:32

    Change your credit card asap. It sounded like you just gave your details to a scam. No legit company would ever ask you to install random software to show you how to do it.

    • RobMel on 22/10/2016 - 07:57

      as mentioend above was legit call centre but will as always monitor my CC

  • kywst on 22/10/2016 - 08:10

    What site did they direct you to and what did they want you to install?

  • PVA on 22/10/2016 - 08:20

    did you ask how/where do you change details so to help you they were going to show you via screen sharing?

  • alxr0101 on 22/10/2016 - 08:47

    Scammers have been known to hack your VoIP for outgoing calls. That "legit" number may have been redirected.

  • Scrooge McDuck on 22/10/2016 - 09:32
    +2

    Username: RobMel

    RobMel

    RobMe

    Rob me

    :O

  • JIMB0 on 22/10/2016 - 10:58

    Was there an option to pay with iTunes gift cards?

    • alxr0101 on 22/10/2016 - 14:13

      Or Eneloops?

  • RobMel on 22/10/2016 - 14:01

    The website I was asked to enter WHILE CONNECTED TO OPTUS was
    http://support.me/
    which in turn redirected to
    https://secure.logmeinrescue.com/Customer/Code.aspx
    That then asked me to download some executable.

    I am technically literate and quite security aware.. more than most because of my job.
    The issue is not that I was scammed. I wasn't.
    The issue is that Optus with best intend lowers the security awareness of people by using procedures which are also used by real scammers.
    I will now unsubscribe and make no further comments, too many trolls looking for 5 minutes of fame here instead of making intelligent contributions.

    • Adz81 on 23/10/2016 - 17:33

      While support.me does have (apparently) legitimate users, it's also the same site that scammers calling from "Telstra Security" called my workplace three times directed me to so that they could help me to, "fix many security alerts with my internet connection…"

      First time, they hung up on me because I just laughed at them, second time, I managed to keep them on the phone for 13 minutes (putting them on hold twice, and taking up their time, stopping them from scamming others), the last time I only lasted 7 minutes and got bored.

      While my butt points to the ground, I'd never use this site on my home computer…

  • curious101 on 22/10/2016 - 15:28
    +1

    I work in tech support in NSW, and at our organisation when the client calls in rather than giving the answer, we are asked to show them how to find the answer. Sometimes it is much easier to do it for them (update their info for i.e.), but the organisation wants to reduce the number of calls, and then the staff in future. For e.g. if you ask a question, how to log onto facebook, we will tell you to go to our FAQ page. Sometimes, when client's can't find it, we request them to allow us to remote in and then we show them how to perform a particular action. I might be wrong, but if you called a genuine Optus Call Center (their calls are all recorded),perhaps the guy was just trying to show you where to get the form etc. I have had to do it sometimes, and quite often I prefer remoting in, specially when clients are not too familiar with technology as it can take ages to guide them, specially when you can't yourself see the screen - "What should I do next", "Where is that option, I can't see", "It is not doing anything" etc…….

    • scrimshaw on 24/10/2016 - 16:29

      I worked tech support too but I personally would have mixed feelings about having anyone having access to my personal pc.

      I wouldn't mind it though if it was my work issued laptop, since I store nothing personal on it.

  • havebeerbelywillsumo on 22/10/2016 - 15:52

    My final take on this is that the OP would only be legitimately asked to install remote software if sounded like a total novice. He claims "no I'm not" so this only makes sense if (a) it was a scam (b) the Optus operator was a total cowboy or (c) which I'll leave to your imagination.

  • lainey13 on 22/10/2016 - 15:52
    +1

    Urgh what's up with Optus nowadays? They called me about my mobile phone service and then asked me to tell them my personal details. I said no, you guys called ME, why should I give you personal details over the phone? You could be anyone!

  • trustnoone on 23/10/2016 - 17:24

    I'm not exactly techy but the website doesn't look that bad, contains a secure connection signed by "GlobalSign nv-sa" and as you said Optus had a legit number. It's probably a more "business" based teamviewer?

    You say:

    show me how to do it online

    does that mean there is a way online? Guess they could've explained it to you instead of downloading something. I wonder how convoluted their website must be if they choose to remote desktop into your computer to show someone how to update bank expiry. Especially as it sounds like you're not exactly new to a computer.

    I guess I can kind of see why they do it this way, if I worked in IT, explaining things to people can sometimes get very difficult its sometimes easier to just show them, and I'm also wondering whether Optus is sort of pushing the program to see whether its worth paying for.

    In saying that though, having access to my computer is a big NO for me, plus getting access to a random consumers computer is sus as! The worse part is to "show" you this it will lead them to the page with your credit card details which is further a big NO for me.

  • nxllson on 23/10/2016 - 20:48
    -1

    13 30 66 isn't a known Optus official number, I searched it up,
    http://www.reverseaustralia.com/lookup/133066/

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