Scam alert: Vumatel warns that criminals are using their name to defraud customers
JOBURG – Ward 117 Tim Truluck shared that the scammer poses as a Vumatel employee, charges customers a fee and then disappears.
Vumatel has been alerted by customers that criminals are using their name to defraud them. This comes after customers reported they had been defrauded by companies called Wireless Nerds, Your Wi-Fi Specialists and Wi-Fi and Networking Specialists.
This information was shared by Ward 117 councillor Tim Truluck on his Facebook page which said that, according to Vumatel, there is one person running all the companies, posing as a Vumatel employee.
Truluck wrote that when the person is in communication with customers, they claim they are a technician and charges a call-out fee upfront. At times they charge customers for more equipment to improve their internet experiences, such as Wi-Fi routers and wireless extenders. “He charges customers for this equipment and then disappears. In other instances, he has installed ‘equipment’ into customers’ homes but disappears as soon as they realise that the equipment does not work.”
Vuamtel gave a few tips to avoid being scammed:
- For any internet-related issues, contact your Internet service provider (ISP) directly. If your ISP cannot solve the problem, log a ticket with Vumatel. The ticket number will be sent via SMS.
- To solve fibre-related issues, visit Vumtel’s website here
- Vumatel only instals the fibre line and fibre converter (CPE or ONT) which gets mounted to the customer’s wall and in your home. They do not offer any other services, nor do they sell, instal, or support Wi-Fi routers, extenders or any other internet-related equipment. Be suspicious when someone offers such services including installing or setting up internal networks
- Check out Vumatel’s accredited list of installers and maintenance partners on their website
- Vumatel does not charge any fees to the customer for maintenance and support, the only related fee is for reinstallation.
If you have fallen victim to the scam or have any information related to these crimes visit Vumtel’s website for more information.
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Killarney and Riviera endorse Vumatel for fibre optics network
https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/235246/online-fraud-scams-need-know/
