PEOPLE are losing thousands of dollars in phone scams involving gift cards, police are warning in the lead-up to Christmas Day. With less than a fortnight to go until the big day, NSW Police officers are urging people to be vigilant with festive scams now in full swing. READ ALSO: Driver lucky to be alive after XPT and car collide “Typically scams include a call from someone demanding you purchase gift cards as settlement for an accident, collection of a debt for a utility company or government agency, threats to avoid legal action such as arrest or to help capture hackers,” officers said. Arrest scams: You will be arrested unless you pay for your freedom with iTunes cards or other cards. Accident scams: You were involved in an accident and the caller threatens physical violence unless you pay them in gift cards. Government scams: The caller pretends to be from the Australian Taxation Officer (ATO) or other organisation and unless you pay outstanding debt in gift cards you will be arrested. Utility scams: Pay them in gift cards or they will disconnect your phone, electricity etc. Catch a hacker: Only you can help catch the hacker by providing all your personal information or buying gift cards. READ ALSO: Council joins class action in a bid to recoup excess charges READ ALSO: Rainy days to bring welcome relief to a parched region “Utility companies and government agencies will not contact you demanding immediate payment by gift cards,” police officers said.
PEOPLE are losing thousands of dollars in phone scams involving gift cards, police are warning in the lead-up to Christmas Day.
With less than a fortnight to go until the big day, NSW Police officers are urging people to be vigilant with festive scams now in full swing.
“Typically scams include a call from someone demanding you purchase gift cards as settlement for an accident, collection of a debt for a utility company or government agency, threats to avoid legal action such as arrest or to help capture hackers,” officers said.
Five typical phone scams
Arrest scams: You will be arrested unless you pay for your freedom with iTunes cards or other cards.
Accident scams: You were involved in an accident and the caller threatens physical violence unless you pay them in gift cards.
Government scams: The caller pretends to be from the Australian Taxation Officer (ATO) or other organisation and unless you pay outstanding debt in gift cards you will be arrested.
Utility scams: Pay them in gift cards or they will disconnect your phone, electricity etc.
Catch a hacker: Only you can help catch the hacker by providing all your personal information or buying gift cards.
We do not deal in iTunes, police say
“Utility companies and government agencies will not contact you demanding immediate payment by gift cards,” police officers said.
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Nyngan Observer
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