ANDERSON WARNS BEWARE OF PHONE SCAMS

Monday, 07 May 2012 11:51

Media Releases - Kevin Anderson Media Release

4 May 2012

ANDERSON WARNS BEWARE OF PHONE SCAMS

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson is warning everyone to beware of unauthorised websites offering easy access to government grants.

Mr Anderson said "I would like to warn the community that a new phone scam, where the caller says they are from a government department, has been reported in the region. The caller asks for money for providing a list of government funding and grant opportunities. This is very tempting for anyone who is involved in local fundraising and I urge them to hang up immediately.

"The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) have recently reported an increase in scams impersonating government departments or major businesses.

To protect yourself make sure you keep these points in mind:

• The government doesn't cold call you to tell you about grants
• The government doesn't accept payment via wire transfer
• All government websites use the '.gov.au' extension
• All decisions about grants are based on merit – you can't pay for special access
• Where you may wish to use the services of a third party to assist in preparing     grant applications, choose a reputable service by doing your homework first
• If you have signed up to a questionable service and have paid by credit card discuss your recovery options with your provider.

"At the end of the day the best advice that the ACCC can provide to residents is to hang up on cold callers such as this and not to accept any approach by people offering money on behalf of government, banks, trusts, wills or any other party," Mr Anderson concluded.

For more information about protecting yourself, your small business or to report a scam, visit www.scamwatch.gov.au or call 1300 795 995.

ENDS