Seymour Health phone number used in scam by hackers

By David Rak

Aug 4, 2021

The main reception phone number for Seymour Health’s Barrabill House has been hacked and is being used by scammers.

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Barrabill House reception administration staff have fielded several calls from people stating they have been receiving calls from the number 5793 6170 continually.

One person reported they had received at least five calls from the number trying to sell them internet subscriptions

Seymour Health’s IT provider has informed them that the technology being used is Calling Line Identification (CLI) overstamping

Anyone with the technology (in Australia or overseas) can overstamp any phone number on their phone calls.

If the calls were made into Seymour Health then the IT provider could block them, however as they are external to the Seymour Health phone system and are being made to the general public, Seymour Health have no control over them and no ability to stop them.

“It is very disappointing that this has occurred, particularly during the pandemic as it has created stress and additional work for our staff whose main priority should be our residents,” director of clinical services Anne Daley said.

Seymour Health has contacted Victoria Police regarding the matter and has been advised to log a complaint with cyber.gov.au and scamwatch.gov.au

If you receive a call from 5793 6170, be aware that it is not Barrabill House and it is a scam.

By David Rak

Journalist