ACT Policing has issued a warning to the public to beware of telephone callers claiming to be Police Officers.
Acting Superintendent Jason Kennedy said many reports made to police had similarities.
“The caller claims to be an Australian Federal Police [AFP] Officer and provides false names and badge numbers,” Acting Superintendent Kennedy said.
He said the caller would then say there was an outstanding Australian Taxation Office (ATO) debt that needed to be paid or the person called would be arrested on a warrant.
Acting Superintendent Kennedy said the caller would then request bank account details for an immediate money transfer.
“It is important for the public to remember that ACT Policing or the AFP will never call you asking for … bank account details,” he said.
“If you receive a call like this, do not transfer any money, take note of the phone number calling you and report the incident.”
Acting Superintendent Kennedy said it was also important to talk to elderly or vulnerable people about these scams to help them avoid becoming victims.
He said anyone with information relating to these types of incidents should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.
“For more information about scams and how to protect yourself, visit the Scamwatch website at www.scamwatch.gov.au,” Acting Superintendent Kennedy said.
