Minister for Fair Trading Anthony Roberts today warned NSW consumers of a new telephone scam.

“A Port Stephens pensioner reported receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be from the Australian Government arranging carbon tax compensation,” Mr Roberts said.

“The scammer told the pensioner she was to receive $5000 in compensation to assist with the increase in costs and charges associated with the carbon tax.

“She was then asked if she wanted to receive the compensation by cheque or direct deposit.

“Thankfully in this case the pensioner did not reveal her bank account details.”

The pensioner reported the call to local MP Craig Baumann who alerted Fair Trading.

“It’s great my constituent reported the scam. The more we do to raise awareness the harder it makes it for the scammers.

“Port Stephens’ locals are very community minded and I encourage those with elderly family members, friends and neighbours to warn them about the scam,” Mr Baumann said.

Mr Roberts said consumers across NSW should be on the lookout for carbon tax scams.

“Criminals and shonks often leverage topical and familiar issues such as natural disasters or government programs to make their scams sound legitimate.

“They trade in deception and unscrupulously prey on vulnerable people. These callers are often indiscriminate so everyone should be on the lookout.

“People can also contact Fair Trading on 13 32 20 to report the scam or report at any of the state’s 24 Fair Trading Centres or online,” Mr Roberts advised.

Back to Media releases