30 Jul 2024
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Click here for article sourced from ACCC
Criminals are calling people and pretending to be from the National Anti-Scam Centre.
They tell you that your phone number is being used in a scam in China and offer to help you ‘clear your record’.
These scammers work hard to get your trust, then try to steal your money and personal information.
Hang up on unexpected callers who say they’re investigating a scam.
How to spot the scam
This scam can be hard to spot because scammers can make a call look like it’s from a legitimate number.
However, the National Anti-Scam Centre will never ask you for money, financial or personal information, or threaten you.
Anyone calling and behaving like this is probably a criminal. Hang up immediately and report the scam.
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.
Stay protected
STOP – Don’t give money or personal or financial information. Don't click on any links if you’re unsure. Say no, hang up, delete.
CHECK – Scammers pretend to be from organisations you know and trust – like myGov, your bank, the police or government. You can check the call, message, or email is real by calling the official phone number of the organisation using contact details you find yourself.
REPORT – The more we talk, the less power they have. Report scams to Scamwatch. By speaking up, you protect others and stop scams before they happen. Better safe than scammed.
If you've been affected
- 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: you can share your experience, get support and help to protect others from scams.
Who is the National Anti-Scam Centre?
The National Anti-Scam Centre is where government and industry work together to protect Australians.
We're harnessing shared resources and smarter analytics to cover blind spots, strengthen weak links and use data to react faster, stopping scams before they happen.
Our aim is to make Australia a harder target for scammers.
For more information about how to avoid or report a scam, visit the Scamwatch website.
As always, if you have any questions or your personal circumstances have changed please do not hesitate to contact your financial adviser.
General Advice Warning - Any advice included in this article has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on the advice, you should consider whether it’s appropriate to you, in light of your objectives, financial situation or needs.
