South Australia Police warn of phone scammers posing as SA Police

On Monday 22 June, numerous members of the public have received telephone calls from a person claiming that the recipient of that phone call was under investigation for a crime and requested personal information.

The caller also asked the victims to google the telephone number, which is that of a South Australia police station; however the call was NOT being made from that location.

The intended victim terminated the call and rang the police station directly to inquire about the “issue”.  Police were able to confirm the call had been made by a scammer.

Unfortunately modifying the caller ID is a simple technique which can be used by scammers as a way to build credibility by making a call or SMS appear to come from a reputable agency.

Police will never call you out of the blue and accuse you of a crime. Here are some tips to help keep you safe-

• Never download apps or transfer money to unknown callers - police will never ask you to do this.
• Never trust the caller ID - scammers can manipulate it to make a call appear legitimate.
• Never give in to pressure - scammers often use fear and a sense of urgency manipulate their victims.
• If you are unsure, hang up the phone immediately - contact the police on a known number.

If you have found yourself victim of a scam visit your local police station or make a report at www.cyber.gov.au.