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Police are warning members of the community about an elaborate scam which saw a Sydney woman robbed of more than $20,000.
Police say their investigation began after reports a 42-year-old woman received a phone call from a woman claiming to represent the Australian Tax Office about 10am on Monday.
Investigators have been told the caller told the woman she owed the ATO money and would be contacted by a police officer.
“A short time later, the woman received a call from a man who claimed to be a police officer and instructed the woman to withdraw money and deliver the cash to him,” NSW Police said in a statement.
“The number displayed on the caller identification was that of the local police station.
“The woman complied and met a man in a shopping centre carpark on Polding Street, Wetherill Park, later the same day, providing him $22,000.
“As part of ongoing inquiries, detectives would like to speak to a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries.”
He is only described as being of Indian/Sub Continental appearance.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police are warning members of the public to be wary of potential phone scammers, with the following advice:
– Always be wary of unsolicited phone calls, legitimate businesses don’t just call customers and ask for confidential information.
– Don’t engage with the caller.
– Be alert and suspicious of unsolicited phone calls by persons requesting personal information.
– If you have doubts about the identity of any caller who claims to represent a business, organisation or government department, contact the body directly. Don’t rely on contact details provided by the person – find them through an independent source such as a phone book or online search.
– Never give your personal, credit card or online account details over the phone unless you made the call and the phone number came from a trusted source.
– Always remain calm.
– Report any potential scams to the NSW Police or Scam watch.
– Don’t let scammers press your buttons – scammers use detailed scripts to convince you that they’re the real deal and create a high-pressure situation to make a decision on the spot.
– If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
