Glenorchy Police have taken a report from an elderly gentleman today in respect to a telephone scam.

The telephone scam involved a number of people with Indian accents contacting the complainant in respect to his bank. The man was led to believe he was required to pay banking taxes to enable money to be released into his account.

The offenders had designed a complex scam that included return telephone numbers that appeared to be local numbers, but are likely transferred internationally. The offenders would make multiple contacts with the victim and also receive calls on the numbers they provide. The offenders used western names.

The complainant was often referred upwards to an alleged supervisor if he began to query the validity of the call.

The scammers convinced the victim to transfer money at his local post office via a Western Union Money Transfer. The money was transferred to India.

Legitimate institutions would not normally request to receive funds via a Western Union Money Transfer.

Police are requesting that members of the public be vigilant in respect to scams. Should they receive similar calls they should contact their banking institution or police for advice.

Information can also be passed on or obtained from government web sites, including:
www.scamwatch.gov.au
www.consumer.tas.gov.au

It appears that the elderly may be more vulnerable to this type of scam and families are advised to discuss the existence of scams with the older members of their families to ensure they are well informed.

Tasmania Police Media
(03) 6230 2867