Police warn of an increase in scam calls

By Lia Bichel
SCAMMERS have targeted a number of residents in the City of Casey.
Less than a week after police urged people to be wary of scams, Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan said he has received numerous phone calls from concerned residents.
“The calls seem to be higher right now regarding this issue. Residents are worried that people are trying to scam them,” Mr Donnellan said.
“People are telling me that the scammers are calling them claiming to be from the government.
“They say you are owed a tax rebate or something similar, and then ask you to give them money so they can then release funds to you.”
Mr Donnellan said the type of scam was commonly known as a Nigerian 419 Scam.
“What’s disturbing about these operators is they are claiming to be from government departments like the Australian Tax Office,” Mr Donnellan said.
“The government doesn’t ask for an upfront processing fee so they can give you a rebate, and they certainly wouldn’t go through a private money transfer company.”
Narre Warren woman Leoni Gatt recently told the News she was contacted by a scam artist and feared elderly residents could be targeted next.
City of Casey Leading Senior Constable Michael Gledhill urged people to not give anyone personal information over the phone.
“These people are always coming up with new and inventive ways to manipulate others,” Leading Sen Const Gledhill said.
“Basically, we ask people not to hand over personal details.”
Leading Sen Gledhill said there were a few scams in the area at the moments, including someone ringing residents supposedly from Microsoft and asking for personal information.
“If anyone is contacted by someone as part of a scam we encourage them to contact police or Crime Stoppers.”
Crime Stoppers can be contacted on 1800 333 000.
Mr Donnellan said residents who believed they had been targeted by the scammers should immediately report the incident to Scamwatch, which is run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
The ACCC’s Scamwatch infoline is, 1300 795 995 and is open 9am to 5pm on weekdays.