Post by Banker on Nov 27, 2011 17:40:32 GMT 7
Centrelink customers are being warned of a phone scam that has targeted residents in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.
The scam, which began in recent weeks, involves people being called by someone pretending to work for Centrelink.
People are told they are owed a payment of up to several thousand dollars.
The caller then instructs the person to send money, usually several hundred dollars via cheque, in order to release the funds.
Centrelink says it would never call anyone and ask for money.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) received 42,000 reports of scams and reported losses totalling more than $63 million during 2010.
Anyone who suspects they have received a scam phone call is urged to report it to the ACCC on 1300 795 995.
www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-27/centrelink-customers-warned-of-phone-scam/3697550
The scam, which began in recent weeks, involves people being called by someone pretending to work for Centrelink.
People are told they are owed a payment of up to several thousand dollars.
The caller then instructs the person to send money, usually several hundred dollars via cheque, in order to release the funds.
Centrelink says it would never call anyone and ask for money.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) received 42,000 reports of scams and reported losses totalling more than $63 million during 2010.
Anyone who suspects they have received a scam phone call is urged to report it to the ACCC on 1300 795 995.
www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-27/centrelink-customers-warned-of-phone-scam/3697550