Police have reminded community members to remain vigilant for fraudsters, after a series of apparent scams were reported in just one afternoon.
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Bendigo police received at least seven calls on Monday afternoon from residents who had been contacted by people purporting to be from the Australian Tax Office or Telstra.
The ATO scammers told their intended victims they had lodged a fraudulent tax return and needed to make an instant payment of up to $7000, threatening to seize belongings and cancel their licences if they did not comply.
Those people who received calls from the purported Telstra employees were told they had unpaid bills.
The callers threatened to cancel their services and seize property.
People who receive a suspected scam call are advised not to give personal or banking details out over the phone.
They are also advised to beware of requests for unusual methods of payment, such as iTunes cards or gift cards.
Scams can be reported to Scamwatch online.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
