Optus coptus $504K fine for incessantly spamming customers

optus

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) found that Optus (a Singtel company) continued to send marketing messages to customers after they had opted out or “unsubscribed”. It breached anti-spam laws 2 million times.

ACMA chair Nerida O’Loughlin said the regulator launched its investigation after receiving complaints from Optus customers.

“We know that Australians hate receiving spam. It interferes with their privacy and their choices about what messages they receive over their networks. This is the largest infringement fine ever paid for spamming.”

It reflects the seriousness of breaches made by Optus. Moreover its failure to honour its customers’ wishes to unsubscribe, in some cases on multiple occasions.

Spam and unsubscribe – it will be enforced

The ACMA does many things but a key one is to go after spammers. If an unsubscribe button is missing or does not work it is very easy to report it online. Note there is a difference between reporting spam and making a formal complaint. Spam also applies to SMS, mail or any instant messaging app.

OPTUS

ACMA released the top five phone scams for 2019

(numbers represent complaints to ACMA)

  1. NBN impersonation scam        4,419
  2. Computer virus/tech support scam        1,761
  3. DNCR registration scam        1,245
  4. Accident claim scam           435
  5. So-called Chinese scam           417

For more about scams in Australia, or to report a scam to visit the Scamwatch website.

GadgetGuy’s take – Optus coptus a big fine – thanks ACMA

ACMA looks after communications issues but its there to help consumers offering advice on

  • Phones and internet
    • Phone numbers
    • Your rights as a telco customer
    • Phone call charges and bills
    • Phone and internet contracts
    • The national broadband network (NBN)
    • Payphones
    • Telco complaints and problems
  • TV and radio
    • Complain about something on TV or radio
    • TV reception and Interference
    • Radio reception and interference
  • Safety and emergencies
  • Spam and telemarketing
  • Cabling and infrastructure
  • Gambling
    • Online gambling services
    • Rules for gambling ads
    • Make a complaint about gambling
    • How we enforce rules for gambling services
  • Electrical products and devices

You can read GadgetGuy’s ACMA coverage here