Firm fined after failing to stop customers losing $45k to scammers

A telecommunications firm has been sanctioned by regulators after failing to stop scammers swindling its customers out of more than $45,000.

An investigation by the Australian Commucation and Media Authority found that vulnerabilities in SpinTel’s system allowed fraudsters to take advantage of 10 of its customers.

It found the scammers were able to fraudulently transfer the mobile phone numbers of 10 individuals, allowing them to access personal information and swindle thousands of dollars from the victims.

Following the probe, ACMA hit the firm with a fine of $59,400, after finding its systems were not robust enough to prevent the scam from happening.

Samantha Yorke, of ACMA, said: “Losing thousands of dollars in seconds can be devastating and have lasting impacts.

“Once a scammer gets access to your mobile phone service, you’re in danger.

“They can gain access to your banking apps, health records, personal information and more.”

The sanction has ordered SpinTel to undertake an independent review of its security arrangements.

The investigation came as part of a clampdown against mobile phone number fraud, which has seen businesses paying close to $5m in penalties over the last 18 months.

This particular scam saw SpinTel customers targeted between February and March 2025.

ACMA has also issued a warning notice to a second firm, Yomojo Pty Ltd, after it failed to publish anti-fraud advice on its website.

Ms Yorke added: “This is the sixth enforcement announced in the past year under our push to see consumers protected from this type of fraud.

“We are deeply concerned that so many telecos have had system vulnerabilities placing Australians at risk of preventable harm.”