Slam phone scammers: ACCC and ACMA
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Australian Communications
and Media Authority are calling on Australians to immediately hang up the phone if
scammers call, staying alert to this growing threat that can deceive people into providing
personal details.
‘Over the past two months complaints about scam telephone calls to the ACCC and the
ACMA have increased significantly from 200 per month to around 2,000 across the two
agencies,’ said ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman.
‘Consumers can stop themselves being scammed by never disclosing any personal or
financial details to these callers,’ added ACCC Chairman, Graeme Samuel. ‘Cutting off the
lifeline is the best way to disrupt scammers.’
Of the many scams circulating, the ACCC and the ACMA are warning consumers about
these particular scam telephone calls:
callers advising that the person’s computer is infected with a virus and requesting
credit card details to fix the problem
callers offering products, services or cash under fake government grants
callers seeking bank details in order to process a bank fee refund or tax refund
callers offering to place the person’s number on the Do Not Call Register for a fee
recorded messages asking consumers to “dial 9” for a ‘free’ holiday.
The ACCC and ACMA note that these scams are also increasing in prevalence in other
countries, notably the United Kingdom, highlighting the international nature of these types of
cold call scams.
Forewarned is forearmed, and there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of
being ripped off.
These steps include:
Be cautious – if you get an unsolicited call and the caller requests personal
information, it may be a scam. Hang up and verify who they are by independently
finding their contact details from a trustworthy source such as a phone book and
contacting them directly.
Protect your personal information and financial details – don’t provide your details to
anyone who has contacted you out of the blue who you don’t know and trust. Even if
they claim to be from a reputable company or Government department it may still be
a scam.
If you get a cold call from someone claiming you are entitled to a refund, have won a
holiday or have a virus on your computer, hang up immediately.
Contact your bank immediately if you think you have provided your details to a
scammer.
The ACCC’s SCAMwatch website has more information on scams and how to protect
2
The Do Not Call Register is a free Federal Government service where Australians can
register their numbers to opt out of telemarketing calls and marketing faxes - either call 1300
ACCC media inquiries
Ms Lin Enright, director, media unit, (02) 6243 1108 or 0414 613 520
General inquiries - Infocentre: 1300 302 502
ACMA media inquiries
Caroline Page on (03) 9663 6753 or 0433 251 633
ACCC NR 223/10
ACMA MR122/2010
12 October 2010
The ACMA is Australia’s regulator for broadcasting, the internet, radiocommunications and telecommunications.
The ACMA’s strategic intent is to make communications and media work in Australia’s public interest. For more
information: www.acma.gov.au.
Follow the ACMA online
ACMA | See www.acma.gov.au for updates and other social media activities
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