Ballarat detectives have released an image of a man wanted over an attempt to scam money off a woman in Lucas last month.
Police say that on February 19, a 23-year-old woman received a phone call from a person claiming there was an issue with her tax details.
“She was instructed to withdraw all her funds and hand them over or she would be arrested,” Victoria Police said in a statement.
“The woman received a follow up call from a cloned police station number from a person impersonating an officer.
“Following additional correspondence, a man attended the woman’s address in Lucas to collect her money about 4.10pm.”
However, the woman became suspicious and took a photograph of the man on her phone before he left empty-handed.
Police have released an image of a man they believe could assist with their enquiries.
If you receive a phone call requesting personal information or payment from a person representing themselves from a law enforcement or government agency:
• Request a reference number and call back the institution to confirm via a publicly listed number on that organisation’s website or via a directory, or;
• Do not respond to the request and hang up.
If you have lost money as a result of this type of scam, please report the matter to your local police station.
You can also report scams to Scamwatch via https://bddy.me/2Eo8BuA
Anyone who recognises the man or with information that could assist police with their investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
