OUR officers have varied reasons for joining Victoria Police, but there is one common thread that binds them together – the desire to help people.
Because the desire to help people is so strong, police genuinely feel the trauma suffered by victims of crimes. And there is not greater frustration than knowing a victim will inevitably be left ‘high and dry’ even after the most comprehensive investigation.
This week, a couple presented to the police station realising they had lost their savings to a scammer. Thousands of hard-earned dollars gone!
The couple had received a telephone call from someone pretending to be from the government. The couple was told they owed money to the government which they had to pay immediately, or risk being arrested.
The couple believed the scammer’s story and, of course, were in fear of having police turn up at their door and arrest them. They followed instructions given by the scammer to bring up a website and install software on their computer and mobile phone that permitted remote access. The scammer was then able to log in to the couple’s internet banking account and to transfer their funds into a crypto currency account that cannot be traced.
Scammers are experts at instilling fear and control – to the point that their victims feel compelled to comply, for fear of further penalty.
The couple sought our assistance in desperation. We took the necessary details, but our efforts to investigate the matter invariably hit a dead end.
The scammer is most likely from overseas. The money was transferred from their bank account into a crypto currency wallet that is anonymous. The scammer will move on to the next victim without a care or thought for the destruction caused.
Ironically, while writing notes about this subject, I received scam calls to my work mobile telephone number and private phone.
Scammers are active right now. They call random telephone numbers and email random people. One of the most unsettling trends I have seen over the past few weeks is the ability of scam callers to ‘hijack’ legitimate telephone numbers – including those of a local police station.
Scams can include fake letters, emails, dating profiles and even visits to the home. Some scammers claim to be engaged in law enforcement, charging a fee to investigate your scam. Police do not charge people to investigate crimes.
There are a few simple things you can do to lessen your chance of being scammed. For example:
· If you receive an unsolicited call, ask for the caller’s personal details, their organisation and telephone number so you can them back. If you have the slightest doubt, hang up. Verify the call-back number.
· Never give out your bank account, credit card or superannuation details to an unsolicited caller. With these details a scammer can withdraw money from your account.
· Never respond to a caller’s request to access a website unless you specifically asked for help (you telephoned them). A scammer will use the opportunity to install remote access software to take over your computer.
· If someone claims you owe the government money, ask them to send you a formal letter to the name and address they have on file (don’t provide either). Validate your debts. think, “Do I really owe that money?” Do not take the word of the caller.
If you have been the victim of a scam, you can report it at acorn.gov.au.
For more advice, please visit
