Australian Telco Exetel Fined $694,000 for Anti-Scam Breaches

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has imposed a fine of $694,000 on Exetel, a telecommunications company, for breaching anti-scam laws. The breach occurred when Exetel failed to implement adequate measures to prevent scammers from accessing customer information. As a result, scammers were able to gain access to customer data, including phone numbers and personal details. The ACMA investigation found that Exetel had failed to comply with the Telecommunications (Telemarketing and Research Calls) Industry Standard 2017, which requires telcos to take reasonable steps to prevent scam calls. Exetel’s failure to comply with the standard led to a significant number of scam calls being made to customers, resulting in financial losses and harm to individuals. The fine imposed on Exetel is one of the largest fines issued by the ACMA for breaching anti-scam laws. The ACMA has warned that telcos must take proactive steps to prevent scam calls and protect customer information. Exetel has apologized for the breach and has committed to implementing additional measures to prevent similar breaches in the future. The company has also agreed to work with the ACMA to ensure compliance with anti-scam laws. The breach has raised concerns about the effectiveness of anti-scam measures in the telecommunications industry. The ACMA has called on all telcos to review their anti-scam measures and ensure they are taking adequate steps to protect customer information. The fine imposed on Exetel serves as a warning to other telcos that they must take anti-scam laws seriously and implement effective measures to prevent scam calls. The breach has also highlighted the need for greater awareness and education about scam calls and how to prevent them. Customers are being urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious calls to their telco or the ACMA. The ACMA is working with other regulatory bodies to share information and best practices to prevent scam calls. The breach has had significant consequences for Exetel, including damage to its reputation and financial losses. The company is taking steps to restore customer trust and prevent similar breaches in the future. The ACMA is continuing to monitor Exetel’s compliance with anti-scam laws and will take further action if necessary. The fine imposed on Exetel is a significant step towards holding telcos accountable for breaching anti-scam laws. The ACMA is committed to protecting customers from scam calls and will continue to work with telcos to prevent these types of breaches. The breach has highlighted the importance of robust anti-scam measures in the telecommunications industry. Telcos must take proactive steps to prevent scam calls and protect customer information. The ACMA will continue to work with telcos to ensure compliance with anti-scam laws and prevent similar breaches in the future.

Source