Police and Moorabool residents are raising the alarm about a phone scam that demands payment for non-existent tax debts.
Bacchus Marsh police are urging people to beware of the scam, which involves a cold call from someone purporting to be from the Australian Tax Office.
More than 50 residents took to social media last week when a recording of a scam phone message was posted on the Bacchus Marsh Residents’ Facebook page.
The recorded message, from a man claiming to be “officer Mark Brown” of the Australian Taxation Office, was left on a Bacchus Marsh woman’s home line on October 6.
“I’m calling in regards to a legal case that has been filed against you,” the message said. “It’s of very serious concern and there’s also a possibility that we may issue a warrant against you.”
Two other residents said their elderly mothers had been targeted with the same phone call.
Sergeant Mark Bacon said the Bacchus Marsh watch-house had been flooded with calls reporting the scam in recent weeks.
Scammers claim people have an outstanding tax debt or that they fraudulently or incorrectly filled out their tax returns, he said.
In each case, the caller threatened the victim with legal action if they did not pay immediately.
“The tax office isn’t going to ring you and speak to you about outstanding debts,” Sergeant Bacon said. “If people do receive a call claiming to be from the ATO, don’t give your details or any information.”
Report calls to www.scamwatch.gov.au or to Australian Tax Office on 13 28 61.
