Police warn of Phone Scams

SCPD Police urge members of the community to be aware of scams operating over the phones. These scams have been the subject of Local, Region, State and National media releases warning people of scams particularly those through phone contact in the home. Unfortunately, people particularly elderly members of the community are targeted and are still becoming victims of the scams and losing substantial sums of money.

Police urge people not to provide any personal details or financial details to anyone over the phone.

Recently South Coast Police have received several reports where substantial amounts of money have been lost.

If you receive a call of this type and if the person calling cannot verify who they are or give a local contact hang up. If in doubt hang up.

These types of calls can be identified most times as it is obvious it is from a call centre as other callers can be heard in the background. On occasions the caller can sound very pre rehearsed or pre-recorded.

Examples of recent scams in the area are

- Money is owing and the Australian Federals Police are on the line with the caller demanding urgent payment. An accusation of inappropriate computer use and the need for payment to clear your computer. Computer faults

– fee requested to fix your computer. Telephone or the Tax office requiring payment.

On one occasion a person was called about an outstanding payment and the details related to a recent purchase and payment he made. When informed the payment was not met due to a faulty transaction, the victim paid a second time unfortunately directly to the scammer. .

The Police, Banks or Taxation depts will not ring you and demand money immediately or for funds to be transferred immediately.

Any enquiry you receive in relation to a purchase you may have made, do not proceed with any payment with this person. Ask for the persons name you are talking to and a local contact number to ring them back or for the issue to be put in writing.

If a legitimate enquiry the details will be correct. It is advisable to check the contact number against the business details known to you. If in doubt politely hang up. A legitimate business will not expect you to complete a transaction of this type and will be understanding why due to the risks of scams.

The best advice police can give Do not participate in the transaction of any funds after receiving a phone call. If in doubt hang up and/or obtain details for contact to be made, then have a friend or a family member to assist and the access the enquiry. Do not complete any fund transaction.