A SCAM where callers claim to be from the Australian Taxation Office is making the rounds again.
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Consumer Affairs Victoria has warned people about the scam, where callers say there is a warrant out for the arrest of the resident.
The scammers ask people to call a number to resolve the matter.
Consumer Affairs Victoria reminded people the Australian Taxation Office would never:
- threaten you with immediate arrest
- ask you to pay money to receive a refund or payment from us
- ask you to pay a debt via iTunes vouchers, or pre-paid credit card or store gift cards
- ask you to provide personal information, such as your tax file number (TFN) or credit card number, via email or SMS
- ask you to pay money into a personal bank account
- direct you to download files from the internet, or open attachments in unsolicited emails.
Bendigo police saw an increase in people reporting the scam in May.
At the time, Bendigo First Constable Mark Logan said the scammers preyed on vulnerable people in the community.
“Once they get you on the phone they start with their strong-arm tactics to get you to pay,” he said.
“Our advice is for people not to ring the phone number but to go the Australian government’s Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network website and report it.”
LISTEN: A recording of a scam message left on a Heathcote household’s voicemail in June 2016.
First Constable Logan said people who had concerns about their tax should call the ATO directly.
“The main thing is for people not to reply, not to fall for it,” he said.
“The Australian Tax Office does not send out those types of messages.”
The scam has been doing the rounds across central Victoria for the past few years.
People can visit the ACCC’s SCAMwatch website for more information.
