Phone scams: Police share tips and tricks to avoid becoming a victim

With less than a fortnight to go until the big day, NSW Police officers are urging people to be vigilant with festive scams now in full swing.

“Typically scams include a call from someone demanding you purchase gift cards as settlement for an accident, collection of a debt for a utility company or government agency, threats to avoid legal action such as arrest or to help capture hackers,” officers said.

Arrest scams: You will be arrested unless you pay for your freedom with iTunes cards or other cards.

Accident scams: You were involved in an accident and the caller threatens physical violence unless you pay them in gift cards.

Government scams: The caller pretends to be from the Australian Taxation Officer (ATO) or other organisation and unless you pay outstanding debt in gift cards you will be arrested.

Utility scams: Pay them in gift cards or they will disconnect your phone, electricity etc.

Catch a hacker: Only you can help catch the hacker by providing all your personal information or buying gift cards.

“Utility companies and government agencies will not contact you demanding immediate payment by gift cards,” police officers said.

Western Advocate