The company issued the caution after it there was a 84% increase in inquiries about suspected scams to its contact centre since OCtober last year. About 28% originated from residents in NSW, 24% came from Victoria and 19% from Queensland.

The company has provided a checklist for those who suspect that someone who claims to be from the NBN Co does not represent the company.

NBN Co chief security officer Darren Kane said: “We urge residents and businesses to be vigilant of callers claiming to be from NBN Co requesting personal or financial information.

"We will never make unsolicited calls or door knock to sell broadband services to the public. We will never request remote access to a resident’s computer and we will never make unsolicited requests for payment or financial information.

“Protect yourself by verifying who are you are talking to. If in doubt, hang up and call your retail service provider customer service centre to check if the call is legitimate.”

The company said:

• "Remember NBN Co is a wholesaler, which means we do not sell phone or Internet services directly to the public. People need to contact their preferred phone and internet provider in order to make the switch.
• "Do not share your financial information (i.e. bank, credit card or gift card details) or personal details with an unsolicited caller or door knockers trying to seek payment for an NBN service.
• "Never give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer or devices via the installation of programs.
• "NBN Co does not make automated calls (i.e. robocalls) to advise of disconnections to a service.
• "If in doubt, hang up and call your retail service provider on their official customer service centre number to check if the call is legitimate."