By PAUL MILLER
SCAMMERS are preying on elderly migrants in the Geelong area, promising rebates in exchange for bank details.
The latest in an ongoing list of scams against vulnerable local targets involves phone-callers claiming to be from the Federal Government.
A woman, who declined to be identified, told the Independent she was visiting her elderly father who had just returned from hospital when the phone rang at his Geelong West home.
The caller told the woman she was entitled to a $6000 rebate “for being overcharged for years”.
The woman was concerned the caller was inquiring about her late mother and asked whether the call was a scam.
The caller said the woman could phone a supervisor on (02) 8091 3990 to verify the offer.
The Independent’s call to the number was answered by a woman claiming to be from the Government and working in the finance ministry.
“We’re giving money back to people who have been overcharged,” said the woman, who named herself as Angelina Cooper.
Ms Cooper, who had an Indian accent, said: “This is not a scam. People are getting money back after being overcharged”.
The woman who received the call at Geelong West said it was cruel hoax.
She was concerned the female caller knew her father’s address.
“She spoke with authority and even gave me a number to call back to speak to her supervisor. I googled the number and there were complaints about scammers using that number.”
A Consumer Affairs Victoria spokesperson warned of numerous government-agency scams.
“People should be especially wary of this type of scam during tax time, as scammers often pose as representatives of the Australian Tax Office or the Department of Finance, claiming you’re entitled to a tax refund but for a fee.”
“Remember, you’ll never have to pay to claim a tax return from the ATO. If you’re uncertain whether you’re being scammed, speak to friends or family or check independently.
“Don’t provide an upfront payment to a stranger via money order or wire transfer. If you think you may have been scammed report it … to the appropriate government agency (and) help them identify scammers and warn other people about the scam.”
The spokesperson said scams can be reported at consumer.vic.gov.au/contact-us/dob-in-a-scam or by phoning 1300 558 181.
