Scams

It is unfortunate, but NW coasters are increasingly becoming the target of various scams and these are becoming more and more sophisticated.

Sid says, “If in doubt don’t!”

The latest scam attacks on Braddon

You get a call from someone claiming to be from the Tax Office, suggesting that you have paid more tax than you should have, which they will gladly refund for a small handling fee. They may also ask for your bank details so they can deposit your refund. This is a SCAM.

You receive a scratchie, raffle ticket or something similar in the mail from a company you have never heard of, to a competition you haven’t entered. This could be for a dream holiday, cash or a fabulous prize. You are then directed to call a number or visit a website, and they are both convincing. You are then asked to send money for legal costs or a registration fee. This is a SCAM.

You receive a call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft or a computer company concerned that your computer has a virus. They then ask you to let them access your computer remotely to fix the problem. They will then ask you for money to fix a problem you never had or more likely infect your computer with a Trojan virus that sends them all your passwords, banking details and any typing you have done on the keyboard. This is a SCAM.

In general, if it sounds too good to be true it more than likely is. Be especially careful if you are asked for money, your credit card details or your bank account details.
If you still have doubts, contact Sid’s office on 64311 333 or 1300 135 547 (toll free), check out the ScamWatch website www.scamwatch.gov.au or call ScamWatch on 1300 795 995.