December 20, 2013
Police are warning members of the public to be vigilant following reports of a scam which has claimed several victims in Queensland.
The scam operates in a similar way to the “Microsoft scam” where victims are called by a representative claiming to be from Microsoft who then asks for access to their computer or payment of a fee to have it repaired.
Detective Superintendent Brian Hay of the Fraud and Cyber Crime Group said in the latest scam, victims are called by a technical repair company claiming to be operating on behalf of Telstra. Again the caller requests access to the victim’s computer remotely to “repair” the fault.
“The caller then overcharges the victim subsequently offering to refund the money. They ask them to establish an online money transfer account which needs to be linked to a credit or debit card.
“Instead of refunding the money, they take money from the account. Telstra has received several complaints of this occurring in recent weeks,” Det Supt Hay said.
Police say Telstra will never contact people asking them to verify their personal details. If people feel they have been compromised, they should contact their bank and credit card provider immediately.
