POLICE are urging Yarra Ranges residents to be wary of a phone scam, where people are posing as Australian Tax Office (ATO) employees to get money.
Victoria Police announced on Friday 20 November that residents in the Maroondah and Yarra Valley areas had been reporting a phone scam, where people call pretending to be from the ATO.
The callers claim that an arrest warrant has been issued for outstanding debts, then direct victims to go to post offices and pay the fake debt via wire transfer.
Mooroolbark police have reportedly received a “significant number” of reports about the scam.
Anyone receiving a call of this nature is asked to call the ATO on 13 28 61, and to not transfer any money.
Those who have relatives in the area, particularly those who are elderly or speak limited English, are asked to get in contact and raise awareness of the scam.
Anyone with more information about the scam is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
