Seniors scam warning, help spread the word
Over the past few weeks Cairns police have received a number of complaints regarding scams, in particular the Australian Tax Office (ATO) scam. There is suggestion that scammers are focusing attention on targeting senior members of our community.
Police are urging all members of the community to pass on information about scams to the senior members of our community in an effort to help stop them falling victim to a scam.
In the past, cases have been reported to police where people have lost their entire life savings to scams.
We have all received text messages and emails claiming that we have won millions however scams are becoming increasingly more and more sophisticated and seek to prey on the more vulnerable members of our community.
There are many different types of scams out there, can you spot a scam?
Help spread the word about scams and what to look out for.
So please, have a chat with your grandparents, your elderly neighbours and your senior friends about how to spot a scam and what to do.
Here are some tips to protect yourself against scams:
Protect your identify – never send out your personal, credit card or banking details – scammers will use your details to commit fraud offences and steal your money.
Keep your computer secure – Install software that protects your computer from viruses and unwanted programs and make sure it is kept up-to-date. Delete unsolicited emails immediately and don’t open attachments or click on links.
Investigate – If you are unsure about whether or not you have received a legitimate request, call the organisation. Ensure that you conduct your own searches to find contact details, don’t rely on contacts provided to you in what could potentially be a scam email or phone call.
Only pay via secure payment methods – look for a web address starting with ‘https’ and a closed padlock symbol. Never use a wire transfer service to send money to anyone you do not know and trust, and do not share your financial details with anyone. Investigate before you part with your hard-earned money.
Report – Notify Scamwatch and tell family and friends to be on the lookout.
To obtain a copy of the Little Black Book of Scams – click here
Scamwatch warns: The ATO, Centrelink, banks and financial institutions will never send you emails requesting verification of personal details for any reason, including tax returns.
More about the ATO Scam: Scammers are using email, texts and phone calls to contact people and claim that they represent the Australian Tax Office (ATO). The caller demands payment for unpaid taxes, in some cases it has been reported that the caller becomes aggressive and threatens legal action or arrest by police for non-payment.
Important links:
Reporting scams: ScamWatch
Reporting cyber crime: ACORN
If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.
Source: Cairns Crime Alert
