New South Wales Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe is warning residents across the state about scam calls from fake Fair Trading officers.

This week Fair Trading has received calls from a number of consumers in various parts of the state who have been contacted and told Fair Trading is arranging refunds for overcharged bank fees.

The Commissioner said he was amazed at the audacity of scammers and their success rate in ripping off vulnerable and trusting people.

“These scammers are not giving up,” he said.

“They continue their assault in the knowledge that eventually they will find someone who is unaware of their lies and deceptive tactics.

“Fair Trading greatly appreciates the help of Australian media in getting warnings out to people to just hang up on anyone claiming to represent government in relation to refunds of money.

“Fair Trading does not cold call consumers offering to arrange refunds. Fair Trading warns consumers about cold calling conmen and women whose only trade is taking people for a ride.”

Mr Stowe urged people to warn their family members and friends, particularly the elderly and infirm.

“Australians are a naturally trusting people and people from older generations just can’t fathom the insidious nature of scammers,” he said.

“They believe government representatives will be genuine and that is why scammers are claiming to be from agencies like Fair Trading.

“It’s a sad reflection on society that so many people seem to be able to earn a livelihood out of taking money dishonestly from those who can least afford to be ripped off.”

One consumer was recently asked to deposit $300 into a Western Union account and then call a number to confirm the transfer. After completing the process, the consumer was promised $2,000 would be delivered to their door. The consumer even received follow-up calls from the scammers to confirm the time the cash would be delivered. The consumer contacted Fair Trading to verify the agreement, at which point they were advised it was a scam.

“Be scam smart,” the Commissioner said. “Hang up, call Fair Trading on 13 32 20 and warn others.”

For more information about Fair Trading go to the Fair Trading website.

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