Scam Calls Increase 900 Percent

  • Don’t pay for Do Not Call Register
  • If it sounds like a scam it probably is
  • Do not give out personal details over the phone

  • Don’t pay for Do Not Call Register
  • If it sounds like a scam it probably is
  • Do not give out personal details over the phone

In recent months complaints about scam phone calls to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) have increased significantly from 200 per month to around 2,000, according to the office of The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy.

"People can protect themselves from scams by applying common sense rules. If something being offered sounds too good to be true, it probably is," Conroy said.

The ACCC and the ACMA were warning consumers about scam telephone calls where callers:

  • advise that the person's computer is infected with a virus and request credit card details to fix the problem
  • offer products, services or cash under fake government grants
  • seek bank details in order to process a bank fee refund or tax refund
  • offer to place the person's number on the Do Not Call Register for a fee
  • ask consumers, using a recorded message, to dial 9 for a 'free' holiday.

"I am particularly concerned that some scammers are targeting the Do Not Call Register and suggesting consumers pay a fee to register their number. I would like to remind consumers that they can quickly and easily register their numbers on the Do Not Call Register for free," Conroy said.

"People can register their phone or fax numbers on the Do Not Call Register, provided the numbers are used primarily for private or domestic purposes, online at www.donotcall.gov.au.

If people are targeted by a scam telephone call they should never disclose any personal or financial details and they should immediately hang up the phone.

Conroy also said he would also encourage people to report the scam so that the ACCC and ACMA can investigate and take action against those responsible."
 

Brought to you by CyberShack.com.au

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