Scammers are going door-to-door trying to sell telecommunications equipment to residents in the rollout areas, telling them that the equipment is essential for them to eventually connect to the high-speed broadband network.

They have also been phoning and emailing residents and say that they needed to hand over personal information, such as bank details, to connect to the NBN.

The Mercury is unaware of anyone who has encountered the scam in the Maitland area yet, but there have been reports of it operating elsewhere in the Hunter.

Preparation work to roll out the NBN has begun in a large part of East Maitland and Metford. 

Construction on the broadband infrastructure has begun in Ashtonfield, Tenambit and Morpeth.

The federal government announced last week that it would begin construction of fixed line NBN infrastructure for an extra 25,000 premises across the rest of the Maitland area by September, 2016.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has warned people who live in these areas not to become victims of the con.

“As the NBN rollout progresses, you may be receiving legitimate materials from NBN Co and telecommunications service providers outlining your options when it is available in your area,” ACCC deputy chairwoman Delia Rickard said.

“Unfortunately, scammers often use major government programs to trick people into handing over their money or personal details.

“We’re warning the community to be on guard and check who you are dealing with before providing any personal information or making purchases.”

The warning comes after several reports in January that two men had been knocking on doors in Metford and East Maitland trying to give residents lap top computers, allegedly from the government, in exchange for personal details.

Suspected scams can be reported to the ACCC on 1300 795 995.