how can the telecom companies allow this?

Block the number, and DON'T say YES on the phone. They use it to scam on your behalf.

Caller: Small business victoria

I said no and hung up. I really think its a scam. Blocked the number.

Caller: (03) 9068 3488

Just received a phone call - a robot as per other comments. Spelled out my name and said it was a message for small business owners. I am not a small business owner. Highly doubt this is the Vic Gov! Completely scamworthy to me.

Caller: Covid plan robo call

Robotic call scam just block

Caller: Robo Call Scam

They will use your voice as voice recognition to scam you in the future - i left the phone on and placed next to the TV as Trump is speaking to the public during the US election. I also played dogs barking on videos to waste their time so no one gets scammed next. DO NOT SPEAK AT ALL!!!!

Caller: Automated voice calling itself “Bailey from Business Victoria”

I called Business Victoria to confirm the legitimacy of these calls. I was told that they’re not a scam and are to check that ABN holders have COVID-safe plans in place. Also, you’ll get called back until you respond to the questions.
I hope this helps :)

Got called twice today. If it’s serious I’m sure a person would talk not a robot. Scam.

Recieved a call twice from this number, so I called Small Business Australia. They confirmed the number is theirs. I said i didnt like talking to an automated voice for the survey. They have provided a link:

https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/covidsafe-plan

Caller: I don't know

Seems strange that Small Business Victoria would choose to robocall using a number that had been used for scams in the past (see January 2019 comments below). I guess anything is possible with this government.

keeps calling

This number has called me twice today about a Covid safe plan for small business I don't even have a small business...automated messages both times

Caller: Not sure

Robot voice spelling out my first name + surname. I hung up before they could go further as the robot voice sounded similar to the ATO scam voice that’s been going around.

Caller: Business Victoria????

Automated message says “hello Miss plus (my first name) plus (my last name) this is a call from Business Victoria. If they cannot programme the automated call to say my name without (literally) saying plus between the words how can I believe it is not a scam. Have blocked the number. Poor show Business Victoria if it is authentic.

I just had the same. Did not answer their question 'can you hear me'. Then it hung up. It did have my name & business details, but if government is really this stupid to think you wouldn't question it. Tough luck. They can come and see me in person.

Caller: (03) 9068 3488

Damn I said yes but then I got suspicious and disconnected. What happens if I said yes?

This number called me many times and i hang up then i blocked it!

Scam

Caller: Small Business Vic

Silence then, some bloke, automated message regarding Covid safe plan for small businesses in Victoria. Just asked a few questions regarding a covid safe plan in place for my business. Did not name my business. You can just answer yes or no. You can talk to someone BUT if it is a scam, you would just want to hang up. I did not pass on any personal information about myself or my business. But will be blocking this number just in case. Have not seen any media, saying small business Victoria would be "cold calling" businesses about having Covid safe plans in place.

Message states it’s calling from vic gov wanting to ensure my business is COVID safe.....