Police are warning of a phone scam in which offenders pretend to be none other than the police themselves.
As part of the scam, offenders are using police station phone numbers to contact victims.
When offenders call victims the police phone number is displayed on the victim’s phone, and they are purporting to be Victoria Police officers.
Victims are instructed by the scammers that police are investigating them and that there is an arrest warrant for them.
The victims are advised to attend retail outlets and buy multiple $500 gift cards.
The victims are then asked to provide the identifying numbers on each of the gift cards.
Victims are advised by the offenders not to tell anyone about the incident.
Victoria Police said these types of scam offences are typical of phone scammers.
These offences can involve significant amounts of money via gift card details being obtained by offenders.
Police will never request anybody provide them with gift cards or money.
Hang up the phone and contact your local police station if this occurs.
If you or someone you know has received such a call report it to Scamwatch at https://www.scamwatch.gov.au
