Fair Trading Minister Anthony Roberts is warning residents in Northern New South Wales to be extra vigilant and on the lookout for scams following reports of local consumers being targeted by cold calling con artists.

The Tweed Heads Fair Trading Centre has received calls from consumers targeted by scammers claiming to work for Suncorp.

“People have been told they are entitled to a refund of bank fees. Scammers also tell consumers they are conducting a customer satisfaction survey,” Mr Roberts said.

“There is very little they won’t do to get your personal information and your money.”

In other reports, scammers claimed to be from Barclays or St George Bank and advised consumers they were entitled to a refund of bank fees.

Mr Roberts warned consumers not to be deceived.

“The sole purpose of these scam calls is to extract your personal information to steal your identity and your savings,” he said.

Mr Roberts said scam attempts were on the rise with pushy confidence tricksters calling more often and using increasingly sophisticated techniques.

Between January and August last year Fair Trading received 1,019 scam reports. For the same period this year Fair Trading received 2,111 reports.

“Scammers claim to be from Fair Trading, other government agencies or well known service providers,” Mr Roberts said.

“They use a range of offers including being authorised to reimburse overcharged bank fees or help consumers get unclaimed money or government grants.

“Consumers who have been approached often report receiving follow-up calls from scammers asking why they have not transferred money.  People are advised to simply hang up on these callers.  Under no circumstances provide any personal or financial details or make any payment.” 

Mr Roberts said many scams were based overseas with scammers using cheap labour to personalise and expand their operations. 

Recent complaints to the Lismore and Grafton Fair Trading Centres report residents have been targeted by scammers claiming consumers are entitled to government rebates on their power and telephone bills. In many cases the scammers had strong accents and told consumers they could call back to verify offers on 02 8006 9220.

Mr Roberts said with so many scams operating, people should warn their family and friends, work colleagues and neighbours to beware of unsolicited approaches. “Be scam smart,” he said. “Hang up, call Fair Trading on 13 32 20 and warn others.”

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