Pivotel blocks Puppy Scammers using Pivotel numbers

Pivotel has become aware that scammers may be using Pivotel mobile numbers for voice and SMS messaging associated with online pet scams. Scam calls and SMS are an industry wide problem, and the ACCC's Scamwatch has reported a recent spike in online pet scams during the unusual circumstances of COVID-19.

As soon as we are notified of scam activity, Pivotel takes immediate action to block voice calls and SMS messaging where its mobile numbers are found to be used by scammers. In some instances due to the complex telecommunications supply chain, industry wide action may be required to stop all activity, as our mobile numbers could be spoofed and voice and SMS messaging delivered through alternate providers. We are working proactively with invested stakeholders, industry associations, regulators and law enforcement agencies to mitigate the impact of these scams.

More information on puppy scams is available on the Scamwatch website, including how to make a report to Scamwatch and where to get help. 

If you are concerned about a scam that is using a mobile number connected by Pivotel, you can let us know by getting in touch at https://www.pivotel.com.au/contact-us/ or call 1300 882 448. We will investigate the issue, and once confirmed, we will take prompt action to block the mobile number to stop it being used for voice and SMS messaging.

About Pivotel – Creating better connections, everywhere

Pivotel is Australian owned and operated with unrivalled expertise in remote communications providing 105,000 satellite based services to people who live, travel or have business operations outside of mobile coverage. Pivotel’s headquarters are located in Southport, Queensland with offices spread around Australia, New Zealand, United States of America, Latin America and Indonesia. All of Pivotel’s customer touchpoints are local, supported by an experienced network of engineers, application developers, customer care agents and over 250 dealers.

Pivotel maintains a mobile carrier licence and operates ground infrastructure in Australia and is licenced to provide retail telecommunications services in the USA, Latin America and New Zealand. It is the only Australian carrier with direct connection to the world’s four major mobile satellite networks: Iridium, Inmarsat, Thuraya and Globalstar. The company’s suite of satellite and mobile technologies enable remote connectivity via satellite phones, satellite broadband, personnel and asset trackers, IOT, Machine to Machine connections and specialist maritime communications. Pivotel Group’s 4G mobile network, ecoSphere®, extends its carrier network to deliver complementary terrestrial wireless services to rural and remote Australians operating outside the coverage footprint of the major mobile networks.