UPDATE: Optus has announced the compensation package offered to affected customers. Read more here.
EARLIER: A new scam masquerading as financial compensation is targeting victims of Wednesday’s Optus outage.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Optus network outage sparks investigation into the telco.
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The telecommunications blackout affected millions of people across the country — causing major delays for commuters and impacting health services as well as affecting both personal and business customers.
ScamWatch issued a warning about the scam on Thursday morning, which is in the form of a text message.
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“Hi there, we apologise for yesterday’s network outage,” the text reads.
“We are offering compensation for all customers impacted.”
The scam then directs the recipient to a link where they can apply for this compensation.
The link featured is not the same as the official Optus website.
A new scam is targeting victims of Wednesday’s Optus outage. Credit: ScamWatch
“We’re aware of phishing messages claiming to be from Optus regarding yesterday’s outage,” Optus said in a statement.
“To help address this and for your peace of mind, we will not be sending communications (email or SMS) about this outage with links.
“If you have any concerns, message us anytime in My Optus app – which remains the easiest way to contact Optus, or call us on 133 937.”
Compensation condemnation
Meanwhile, Optus executives have come under fire from customers and businesses for refusing to compensate customers for the outage — saying it would amount to “less than $2” per customer.
The federal government has announced a review into the network outage which left millions of Optus customers without phone or internet access on Wednesday.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said connectivity was “absolutely essential” for consumers and businesses.
“While we welcome that Optus services were restored over the course of the day, it is critical the government conducts a process to identify lessons to be learned from yesterday’s outage,” she said.
Optus CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin reportedly told The Daily Telegraph that “refunding people for one day is probably less than $2” and the company would instead look at ways to help “thank” and “reward” loyal customers.
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