ELDERLY hinterland residents are being warned to be vigilant after several people were targeted in a series of scams.
In one scam, people claiming to be from banks were calling victims advising them to withdraw money and a representative of the bank would come to their home to collect the case.
The victims are then told it is to safeguard them and the bank representative will deposit the cash in a safe account while internal investigations identify their own employee who is stealing.
During one of the attempted scams, a victim called police saying their bank had instructed them to withdraw $10,000 cash. That afternoon, police intercepted and arrested a 43-year-old ACT man at the victim’s house.
In another scam, a client from Glasshouse Country Care was called and told they owe money to the organisation and needed to pay immediately.
Glasshouse Country Care general manager, Clare Mullins, said they would never contact someone over the phone asking for money and was concerned that an elderly person could fall for the scam.
“A scammer phoned up a client and said ‘we are from Glasshouse Country Care and you owe us money and we need payment immediately’,” she said.
“Luckily the person didn’t have a bank card or it could quite easily have escalated.
“We will never phone someone and request you to pay us. If you get a call and you’re not sure hang up and phone the office to check, on 5494 6948.”
Police said it was important for people to be wary of any bank investment asking to pay funds or deposit cash.
Contact the bank directly using a known phone number on their website to verify legitimacy before following any instructions.
If you are cold called or emailed, never provide personal, bank account or credit card details and do not open links.
If you feel you have been compromised, contact your bank and credit card provider immediately.