Police are warning people about a phone scam targeting people across Australia, NSW Police say.
Police have received several reports within the past month of similar incidents in which the victims have been contacted by a person claiming to be a police officer from Randwick Police Station.
Today, police have received several calls from victims in Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia
The victims were informed their property including credit cards has been located and in order to facilitate the properties return, the victims were required to confirm identification through credit card information.
Each of the victims has contacted Eastern Beaches Local Area Command who has confirmed the telephone calls were fraudulent.
Police have commended and investigation and are appealing for anyone with information to contact crime stoppers.
Police are warning members of the public to be wary of any contact over the phone, and if you believe you have been a victim of this scam to contact police immediately.
Protect yourself:
• If you receive an unsolicited phone call out of the blue from someone claiming to be a representative from a government department and their call relates to purchasing gift cards, to report the incident to police.
• If you have doubts about the identity of any caller who claims to represent a business, organisation or government department, contact the body directly. Don’t rely on contact details provided by the person – find them through an independent source such as a phone book or online search.
• Remember that you can still receive scam calls even if you have a private number or have listed your number on the Australian Government’s Do Not Call Register (link is external). Scammers can obtain your number fraudulently or from anywhere it has been publicly listed such as in a phone book.
• Don’t let scammers pressure you – scammers use detailed scripts to convince you that they’re the real deal and create a high pressure situation to make a decision on the spot.
• Always keep your computer security up to date with anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a good firewall. Only buy computer and anti-virus software from a reputable source.
• Never give your personal, credit card or online account details over the phone unless you made the call and the phone number came from a trusted source.
• Never give a stranger remote access to your computer, even if they claim to be from a reputable business.
• If you think your computer’s security has been compromised, use your security software to run a virus check. If you still have doubts, contact your anti-virus software provider or a computer specialist.
• If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
Report:
• If you have lost money as a result of this type of scam please report the matter to your local Police Station.
• You can also report scams to the ACCC via the SCAMwatch report a scam page or by calling 1300 795 995.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/ Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
