The latest scam doing the rounds involves scammers saying they are from the National Anti-Scam Centre informing that you have been scammed.
The actual National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC) has released a warning as criminals were now calling people and pretending to be from the Centre.
“They tell you that your phone number is being used in a scam in China and offer to help you ‘clear your record’,” the NASC said in a statement.
“These scammers work hard to get your trust, then try to steal your money and personal information.”
The NASC advised people to hang up on unexpected callers who said they were investigating a scam.
“It’s probably a scam. The National Anti-Scam Centre will never ask for money or personal or financial information,” it stated.
The NASC said this scam could be hard to spot because scammers could make a call look like it was from a legitimate number.
How the scam works:
- Someone calls you saying they’re from the National Anti-Scam Centre.
- The phone call looks like it comes from a legitimate phone number belonging to a trusted organisation, like the government or police.
- They say they’re investigating a phone number registered in your name that’s being used in a scam in China.
- These criminals may tell you they work with the Chinese Anti-Scam Centre or Chinese police, and say they will help you ‘clear your record’.
- They ask you questions to ‘confirm you’re not involved’ in the scam.
- They may spend a lot of time with you, building your trust.
- These criminals will try to threaten you to steal your money, financial and personal information.
If you’ve been affected, the NASC advice is:
- If you have lost money, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
- If you’ve had personal information stolen or need support to recover from a scam, contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160.
- Help others by reporting scams to Scamwatch.
- Tell your friends and family.
