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Byron Shire
March 14, 2025

Scammers are preying upon flood-affected residents

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Though most of the community are extending their hand in help for people who have been affected by the recent floods on the Far North Coast and South East Queensland, scammers are already finding ways to make life even more difficult for residents.

nbn say they are getting reports from some flood-impacted communities that scammers have been targeting flood-impacted areas asking for money in return for expediting the restoration of nbn services.

A spokesperson for nbn said the service has made aware by members of flood-impacted communities that some residents have received phone calls from scammers impersonating nbn staff and asking for funds to expedite the restoration of their service.

‘It is unthinkable that scammers would use this as an opportunity to target people and communities,’ said the spokesperson.

Please be awarenbnwill never contact customers asking for payment or any other financial information and we urge anyone who receives one of these calls to report it to Scamwatch immediately at www.scamwatch.gov.au.

Service resoration

The number of homes and businesses impacted by outages on the nbn network across Northern NSW has risen to around 79,000.

The spokesperson said that while this number has again increased, nbn continue to gain access to the network in some areas and have begun restoration work.

‘Where possible, we are deploying generators into the region to support connectivity and will continue to work with the emergency authorities to deploy more generators into areas where waters our receding.

‘A nbn Sky Muster™ Truck is also stationed at the Ballina Coast School, which is supporting temporary connectivity.

‘The majority of those customers are impacted by the power outage at the Fibre Access Node in Woodburn, which is operated by a third party.’

The spokesperson said that owing to floodwaters it is not possible to access the site safely and they have been advised it may be some days before they can get in and deploy temporary infrastructure.

‘The site is owned and operated by a third party and we continue to work closely with them to restore services as soon as it is safe’.

 

 


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3 COMMENTS

  1. Is there a place we can leave brand new things as donations for the flood affected, as I want to get aboard as I know others do, unfortunately, I have heard bad things from past flooding in MURWILLUMBAH. My close friend lived opposite a donation point and it was filled to the brim but for whatever reason it was never established amongst the flood victims and who knows what happened to all what people donated probably sent to tip at some point! I want to make sure sure because I know this was FACT (she lived across the road & would not tell a lie) my donations & friends are brand new, how can we make sure they get to the “gut” that really needs things? I was thinking of driving to Lismore as for some ungodly reason they seem to be so FORGOTTEN YET IN DESPERATE NEED &/OR TO MULLIMBIMBY FOR THE SAME REASON however cashed up/against low socioeconomic society!
    Can you please bring me some information as to what to do? I WANT TO MAKE SURE IT GETS TO THE PEOPLE IN NEED & NOT TO SOME GOVT ORGINISATION THAT TAKES A HOLD OF EVERYTHING & MAKES DECISIONS OF WHAT I AM DONATING!
    I want this to definitely go down there! Adamant & I will drive it in a trailer if I have too no problems!
    PLEASE JUST TELL ME WHERE I NEED TO TAKE IT TOO AS I AM CERTAINLY NOT TAKING IT TO C/LINK – IF I HAVE TOO – I WILL FIND THE PEOPLE MYSELF…..
    BUT I am hoping you can connect me…. PLEEEEASE
    KIND REGARDS, NICCI p.s.are you able to help me?
    I have a lounge with 6 seats and the foot piece it’s in CLOSE TO BRAND NEW condition and is Aust made & if there is a large family that’s been affected by the flood in these areas and someone can help me deliver it, I would give it to them, it cost me $3th I think just needs a shampoo but not necessary, I would like it to go to a family who will look after however, so I’d like to meet them. Can you please send me any info?

  2. I know and see your frustration. I have a lot to donate as well. Last time I took the seventh day Adventist at Chinderah. No one else wanted. I have really
    Good stuff too. I am moving and have a lot of good quality clothes linen furniture etc. all been going to Lifeline prior to floods. Please let us know where to go. I have Ute and box trailer. Where in Murwillumbah. I am Tweed.

  3. Nicole these large hard goods like furniture and clothing etc will be totally appreciated and needed but right now the town is like a huge garbage tip and nobody has anywhere to put these great donations. I suggest holding them for a few weeks at least and letting people know through local channels like bss or word of mouth or at churches or wherever you go. It is way too early but thank you so so much for your beautiful heart generosity xxx

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