Fair Trading Deputy Commissioner Steve Griffin today issued an urgent warning to Campbelltown consumers to avoid a scam where telephone callers, claiming to be from a well
known bank and NSW Fair Trading, offer to reimburse overcharged bank fees.

“Fair Trading received an alarming report this week from a couple in Campbelltown and we have serious concerns other people in the area could be approached,” he said.

“The couple received two scam calls this week, the first from a man claiming to be from the bank. He said he was contacting them about overcharged bank fees.

“The scammer gave them a code number and said someone from Fair Trading would be calling the next day.

“The scammer was in possession of personal information about the couple, which led them to trust the caller and provide more information.

“Fortunately, the couple quickly became alarmed and contacted their bank and cancelled their cards.

“They did then receive another call from someone claiming to be Alan Spencer from Fair Trading, but when they questioned the caller, the caller hung up.”

No Alan Spencer works for Fair Trading. Banks and financial institutions do not telephone customers requesting personal details or information, such as account or credit card numbers.

Mr Griffin said the couple’s close call was not uncommon.

“These scammers are developing elaborate hoaxes and have been able to obtain significant
amounts of identifying information about potential victims,” he said.

“Anyone approached in this way should alert Fair Trading on 13 32 20 as soon as possible.”

Mr Griffin said these kinds of scams were not confined to one geographical area.

“Scammers will target residents indiscriminately, so everyone needs to be very wary,” he said.

“People should warn their elderly family members, friends and neighbours about scams.

“Often victims are embarrassed to report they have been scammed.”

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