POLICE are warning the community about telephone scammers after fake “police” have been targeting Canberra residents recently.

Reports made to police have similarities including, the caller:

• claiming to be an AFP officer and providing false names and badge numbers;
• stating there is an outstanding Australian Taxation Authority (ATO) debt;
• stating the debt needs to be paid or they will be arrested on a warrant; and
• requesting bank account details for an immediate money transfer.

Acting superintendent Jason Kennedy says it’s important for the public to remember that ACT Policing or the AFP will never call asking for bank account details.

“If you receive a call like this, do not transfer any money, take note of the phone number calling you and report the incident,” he says.

“It is also important to talk to elderly or vulnerable people about these scams to help them avoid becoming victims.”

Information in relation to these types of incidents can be reported via 1800 333000 or on the Crime Stoppers ACT website.

For more information about scams and how to protect yourself, visit the Scamwatch website at www.scamwatch.gov.au