By Brendan Rees
A fake email purporting to be from a Casey councillor has attempted to steal thousands of dollars from ratepayers.
Star News was among the fraudster’s targets with the hoax email appearing to come from councillor Geoff Ablett on the 19 August stating he needed a loan of $5,700 to help a sick cousin in Istanbul, Turkey.
“I really hope you get this fast,” the email reads.
“The hospital management is demanding for a deposit before they can carry out the surgery operation to save her life,” it continued.
“I will really appreciate any amount you can loan me. I’ll surely pay back as soon as I get back,” it said.
Cr Ablett said he was pleased to be contacted by residents alerting him to the scam and had the issue fixed straight away.
“My advice to anyone is just be very careful of phone calls and emails,” he said.
“I appreciate the support of people letting me know. If I see something suspicious to let people know,” Cr Ablett said.
“It’s the way you work together to stop these awful people scamming.
“Everyone just has to be on the lookout. The more people are aware of these scams the better, it can happen to anyone,” he said.
Mr Ablett said fortunately the scammers didn’t receive any money through the fake email.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission deputy chair Delia Rickard said it was best to assume scammers were everywhere.
“Never give anyone who has contacted you out of the blue your personal details banking details or remote access to your computer, no matter who they say they are,” Ms Richard said.
“If you’re ever in doubt, decline the contact or hang up the phone — it’s often the safest option,” she said.
To report a scam visit: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/
