Phone call frauds

A NUMBER of scam phone calls have been received and reported around Leongatha in the past fortnight.

With a number of locals concerned about the security of their bank details getting into the wrong hands, authorities have asked people to report any suspicious phone calls, voicemail or emails where unreliable sources have asked to receive details in return for tax returns and refunds.

South Gippsland is not the only area experiencing an onslaught of scams. Consumer Affairs Victoria released a warning across the state for residents to keep a safe guard on bank details with scammers targeting people when they lodge tax returns.

Minister for Consumer Affairs, Jane Garrett warned Victorians be extra cautious come tax time.

“People need to be on guard, especially during tax time, when scammers come out of the woodwork pretending they are from the Australian Tax Office, and claiming you’ll get a tax refund if you pay a fee.”

Consumer Affairs Victoria received more than 1250 reports of scams from June 2014-15, with money transfer scams ranked as the number one most commonly reported.

Money transfer scams include the promise of a cash refund for a fee. Often the scam takes place via phone call, with the offender attempting to attain bank details. Over 400 reports of money transfer scams were recorded over the past year, with many reports claiming the offender pretended to be from the bank for Australian Taxation office.

MP Garrett warned of the malicious nature of scammers in Victoria.

“These con artists will use your emotions against you. They prey on hard-working Victorians, tricking honest people into giving up their hard earned money.”

Short URL: /?p=15667

Posted by Tayla Kershaw on Jul 28 2015. Filed under Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry