Scam alert ”“ Scammers claim to be from Federal Parliament

 

 

NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe on April 25 2014  issued a statewide scam warning after the Fair Trading Centre in Wagga Wagga reported receiving numerous calls from concerned local residents.

“Residents have reported receiving calls from someone claiming to be from the Australian Federal

Parliament and offering refunds on overcharging of services such as the cost of groceries, electricity and water,” he said.

“The scammers tell people they have been selected by the government and are entitled to a refund of $7,268 and to process the refund they need go to Australia Post with their mobile phone and identification, either a driver’s licence or passport, to pay a $199 fee to cover legal costs.

“The scammers tell people to call 02 8007 5383 on arrival at the Post Office and they will then receive instructions on how to fill out the Western Union form.

“When one consumer told the caller he thought it was a scam, he was told to call the same number, quote the code number KS06 and speak to Allan Jackson or Steven Richards to confirm the validity of the offer.”

Mr Stowe said scammers were a daily threat to Australian consumers and people should hang up on such calls and report them to authorities.

”˜Too often the trusting and the elderly get conned out of their hard earned money and in some cases lifesavings by scammers. Often the scammers are based overseas and use sophisticated methods to lure people into their web of deceit.”

For more information on scams or for advice call Fair Trading on 13 32 20 or Scamwatch on 1300 795 995.

Fair Trading advice to avoid being scammed

  • Don’t respond to offers, deals or requests for your personal details. Stop. Take time to independently check the request or offer.
  • Never send money or give credit card, account or other personal details to anyone who makes unsolicited offers or requests for your information.
  • Don’t rely on glowing testimonials: find solid evidence from independent sources (not those provided with the offer).
  • Never respond to out of the blue requests for your personal details.
  • Always type in the address of the website of a bank, business or authority you are interested in to ensure you are logging onto the genuine website.
  • Don’t open unsolicited emails.
  • Never click on a link provided in an unsolicited email as it will probably lead to a fake website designed to trick you into providing personal details.
  • Never use phone numbers provided with unsolicited requests or offers because they could connect you to fakes who will try to trap you with lies.
  • Don’t reply to unsolicited text messages from numbers you don’t recognise.
  • Always look up phone numbers in an independent directory when you wish to check if a request or offer is genuine.
  • Don’t dial a 0055 or 1900 number unless you are sure you know how much you will be charged.

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