Be wary when receiving 'cold calls' from unknown people claiming to be employees of organisations such as the police or the Australian Taxation Office, Tasmania police warn.
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Police report numerous Tasmanians had fallen victim to the scam over recent weeks losing tens of thousands of dollars in cash.
Detective Sergeant Paul Turner from the Serious Financial Crime Unit said scammers were deceiving their victims into depositing large amounts of cash or purchasing gift cards as well as threatening victims that they will be arrested by warrant for non-payment of fines or for committing other criminal acts.
"Scammers like to get gift cards as payment as it's easy for them to quickly sell them on secondary markets and keep the cash for themselves. If anyone asks for payment using a gift card, it is a scam, it's that simple," Detective Sergeant Turner said.
Police advise to:
- . Never provide your identity to a person over the phone who is not known to you.
- . Never send money or gift cards to someone you do not know.
Members of the public who receive such calls should hang up immediately and report the matter online at www.cyber.gov.au
Claudia Williams
Claudia Williams is a journalist for The Advocate covering general news and events. Get in touch at claudia.williams@theadvocate.com.au or on 0448 310 641
Claudia Williams is a journalist for The Advocate covering general news and events. Get in touch at claudia.williams@theadvocate.com.au or on 0448 310 641
