Gold Coast police are warning the public about a phone scam that saw a Robina man lose $7,500 this week.
Police say the fraudulent scheme has been operating within the Gold Coast District since 2018 and is based on ‘Caller ID Spoofing’.
“In these cases, the scammer calls a victim from a phone-number with a caller identification of a local police station,” Queensland Police said in a statement.
“The caller fraudulently impersonates a police officer and threatens legal action before demanding a form of payment. The victim is instructed to pay a fee or fine in the equivalent value of gift cards.”
Police say that on Monday, a 22-year-old Robina man was contacted by phone from a number with a caller identification of Robina Police Station.
“The caller falsely claimed they were a Senior Constable and that the man’s Tax File Number had been used to open several bank accounts,” police said.
“The scammer then instructed the man to purchase $25,000 in gift cards and claimed they would reimburse him via cheque once received.”
The man purchased a number of gift cards and sent them to the scammers.
“The Queensland Police Service would like to remind the public that it does not seek or receive payment over the telephone.”
“Should anyone receive a similar call they are advised to report the matter to Scamwatch. If payment has been made to the scammers, then victims are advised to contact Policelink,” police said.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
