Police are warning people in the Woolgoolga area about a phone scam targeting residents in the area.
Police have received two reports in the past month of similar incidents where people have lost money as a result of a scam, which appear to be targeting the Indian community.
In both instances, the victims have received a call from a person claiming to be from the Department of Immigration stating that their visa, or a relative’s visa, has been cancelled, and they will be deported. They are informed that they have the option to pay to prevent deportation. They are further instructed to purchase a number of gift cards and to provide the caller with the verification numbers.
Police are warning members of the public to be wary of any contact over the phone, and if you believe you have been a victim of this scam to contact police immediately.
Protect yourself:
- If you receive an unsolicited phone call out of the blue from someone claiming to be a representative from a government department and their call relates to purchasing gift cards, report the incident to police.
- If you have doubts about the identity of any caller who claims to represent a business, organization or government department, contact the body directly. Don’t rely on contact details provided by the person – find them through an independent source such as a phone book or online search.
- Remember that you can still receive scam calls even if you have a private number or have listed your number on the Australian Government’s Do Not Call Register (link is external). Scammers can obtain your number fraudulently or from anywhere it has been publicly listed such as in a phone book.
- Don’t let scammers pressure you – scammers use detailed scripts to convince you that they’re the real deal and create a high-pressure situation to make a decision on the spot.
- Always keep your computer security up to date with anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a good firewall. Only buy computer and anti-virus software from a reputable source.
- Never give your personal, credit card or online account details over the phone unless you made the call and the phone number came from a trusted source.
- Never give a stranger remote access to your computer, even if they claim to be from a reputable business.
- If you think your computer’s security has been compromised, use your security software to run a virus check. If you still have doubts, contact your anti-virus software provider or a computer specialist.
- If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
Report:
- If you have lost money as a result of this type of scam, please report the matter to your local Police Station.
- You can also report scams to the ACCC via the SCAM Watch report a scam page or by calling 1300 795 995.
NSW Police celebrates diversity, marking annual ‘Wear it Purple’ day
The NSW Police Force is proud to support ‘Wear it Purple’ 2016, a student-run event that promotes the well-being of all young people, and the prevention of bullying and youth suicide by encouraging people to be proud of who they are.
‘Wear it Purple’ day kicked off on Friday 26 August 2016, which saw police officers across metropolitan and regional areas making a stand in purple. The annual event is about supporting every young person while promoting the idea that everyone of them is unique, which should be freely celebrated in a safe environment.
The organization was launched in 2010 by two students and has now grown into an international celebration; spreading the simple message that ‘you have the right to be proud of who you are.’
The NSW Police Force has actively supported the event since 2012, with School Liaison Police, Youth Liaison Officers (YLOs), Crime Prevention Officers (CPOs) and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) Liaison Officers (formerly GLLO officers) attending schools in their local areas to talk about the impact of bullying and the importance of inclusion.
The NSW Police Force supports initiatives that foster a safe and inclusive working environment, like Pride in Diversity and the LGBTI Liaison program, the latter of which now includes 200 officers across the state.
In addition, the Force has recently published the fourth instalment of the Sexuality, Gender Diversity and Intersex Policy that aims to create a culture of inclusion within the organization, while encouraging employees to improve their understanding of diversity within their local communities. The Force continues to foster strong relationships with LGBTI people and organizations to prevent and reduce crime and the fear of crime.
NSW Police Corporate Sponsor for Sexuality & Gender Diversity, Detective Superintendent Tony Crandell, said everyone has the right to feel safe and supported in an environment free from bullying and violence. “The NSW Police is proud to share the message of ‘Wear it Purple’ day, to celebrate the value of diversity and to show our ongoing support for young people and the unique challenges they face each day,” Det. Supt Crandell said.
