SWAN Hill police are calling for residents to learn and avoid the risks of a range of scams targeting Australians during Scams Awareness Week.
The campaign by Scamwatch, part of the Australian Government’s National Anti-Scam Centre, encourages people to help one another spot, avoid and report scams.
Swan Hill Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Donovan said police were aware of a number of scams impacting local people.
“Scams come in many different forms, so in short you should always be cautious of something that sounds too good to be true,” he said.
“At the Swan Hill detectives’ office, we see all sorts of scams, including romance scams where relationships are developed before a request is made for money by preying on emotions.
“There are also online-purchase scams, where parties request payment for an item before you received it – for us this is prominent on buy, swap and sell sites.
“We see lottery and prize scams, where victims receive notifications of winning something but are required to pay fees or provide personal information upfront, but never receive promised winnings.”
Scamwatch says about one in three scams went unreported, leaving the scammers to continue their schemes and harm Australians.
With the information from reported scams, Scamwatch and police can understand how scammers work and how they can stop them.
Sen-Sgt Donovan said victims of scams should act quickly to report what has happened.
“People often feel embarrassed to report the scams because that have been tricked into handing over sums of money,” he said.
“This should not be the case as the scammers are usually high sophisticated and are evolving all the time.
“If you have fallen victim to a scam and someone contacts you claiming they can help you recover your lost money, be cautious – this is likely another scam.
“If you think you have been scammed, by either handing over money or financial details – immediately contact your bank.
“If you need support after falling victim to a scam, you can speak to your friends and family or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.”
Scamwatch provides a range of information on the many types of scams and self-protection.
Anyone who believes they are the victim of a scam should report it to cyber.gov.au, scamwatch.gov.au, local police, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
