Police are seeing a spike of frauds during the Covid 19 pandemic.
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Lake Illawarra Police District Sergeant Peter Northey said government impersonation scams were rife during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sergeant Northey stated this included a fake ATO email claiming to offer a tax credit due to COVID-19.
"Don't click on any links or provide personal or financial information," he said.
A copy of the scam email is available on the Lake Illawarra Police District Facebook page.
Sgt Northey said NSW Police were really pushing the following message:
"Scammers love to offer you goods, services, prizes, opportunities, or even love in an attempt for you to disclose banking details or transfer funds to another account.
"If it sounds too good to be true, investigate it. Some scammers even place fear in victims by making them think they have an unpaid bill or debt."
Here are some helpful tips to help protect your well-earned money:
NEVER - part with financial information or transfer money to anyone you don't know or trust
NEVER - be afraid to seek financial or legal advice before payment
NEVER - be pressured into signing something you are not sure about
ALWAYS - confirm the identity of the person/organisation you are talking to
ALWAYS - read any documents you are requested to sign
ALWAYS - contact your back, financial institution or service provider if you have or believe you have been contacted by a scammer or become victim to a scammer.
"Don't be afraid to ask or investigate where you see fit. Legitimate agencies would expect it," Sgt Northey added.
To find out more information about scams or to find out other ways to protect yourself, visit www.scamwatch.gov.au.
Scamwatch has received over 1000 coronavirus-related scam reports since the outbreak of COVID-19.
Common scams include phishing for personal information, online shopping, and superannuation scams.
Scammers are pretending to be government agencies providing information on COVID-19 through text messages and emails 'phishing' for your information.
These contain malicious links and attachments designed to steal your personal and financial information.
If you have been the victim of a scam, you can report scams to the ACCC online at the 'SCAMwatch' report a scam' page or by calling 1300 795 995.
People can also report it to their local police station.
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
