Police are investigating an attempted scam earlier this month

On Friday 14 June, the victim received a phone call from a person claiming to be from the Government and instructed the victim to download a mobile phone application to determine if they had been hacked.

A photo of the victims’ credit card, Medicare card and driver’s licence was also requested however the victim became wary when they asked for a photo of the rear of the driver’s licence and hung up the phone.

Thankfully, the scammer was not able to take any money from the victim and they will have their cards cancelled and re-issued. -

This incident is a timely reminder to members of the public to STOP and THINK before providing money or personal information to unknown people.

South Australia Police and the Australian Tax Office (ATO) see an increase in ATO related scams around tax time.

Scammers impersonate the ATO and their employees over the phone, via text message, email and even with fake social media accounts, in an attempt to steal personal information and/or money.

Scammers can manipulate the caller ID of phone calls and text messages, to appear as the ATO, police stations or tax agents, making their contact seem legitimate.

Red flags

• Payment must be made in order to receive your tax refund.
• A link supplied within the text message or email to log directly into your MyGov or ATO account.
• Legitimate ATO text messages will NOT contain any hyperlinks.
• Attachments in emails claiming to be statements or personal tax information.
• Unsolicited contact from the 'ATO' or a tax agent.
• Contact from unverified social media account.

Protect yourself

• Do not trust caller ID.
• Do not engage.
• Do not provide bank details or send money or gift cards.
• Never click on links provided within emails or text messages.
• Always log directly into your MyGov account to view official correspondence.
• If you're unsure, always call the ATO or go on the ATO website

Report

• If you have lost money or believe your bank account details have been compromised, contact your bank immediately.
• Report to police via ReportCyber or attend your local police station.
• Report to the ATO via the ATO website.