THERE’S a new scam doing the rounds in Port Stephens, and it’s tricking even the most tech savvy community members.

Modern Media: Advertise with News Of The Area and you get your ad in 1) in Print, 2) on the News Website (like this ad), and 3) on our Social Media news site. A much more efficient way to advertise. Reach a HUGE audience for a LOW price TODAY! Call us on 02 4983 2134. Or media@newsofthearea.com.au
Or CLICK FOR ADVERT QUOTE

Anyone could fall victims of these scammers.

They are clever and very sneaky in how they go about things.

Port Stephens Local Area Command are encouraging all members of the public to be aware of a scam involving the use of Apple iTunes gift cards.

The scam is being conducted through three main methods.

The first method entails the scammer pretending to be from the Australian Taxation Office with their victims being told that there is a warrant for their arrest.

Unless a ‘fine’ is immediately paid, the police will arrive and arrest them.

According to the scammer, the ‘fine’ can only be paid through Apple iTunes Gift Cards.

The second scam involves the scammer pretending to be from Telstra, asking their victim to help them catch a ‘hacker’ by buying Apple iTunes gift cards to use as a ‘trap’.

The scammer gets the victim to tell them the serial numbers of the gift cards and sells them on before the victim realises what has happened.

The third scam has the scammer pretends to be from Centrelink and tells their victim that they are eligible for an additional payment, however they need to pay a release fee in Apple iTunes gift cards to receive their additional payment.

The scammers usually get their victims to travel to supermarkets or department stores and keep them on the phone in order to get the serial numbers required as quickly as possible.

A number of residents in Port Stephens have reported these calls recently, and Police are warning people to be vigilant.

Port Stephens LAC D/A/Insp – Crime Manager, Michael Magann, told News Of The Area, “We would ask all residents to really question any requests for payment that you feel are out of ordinary.”

“Check with family or friends on the method being requested if you are concerned, and do not feel pressured my someone to pay immediately.”

“I am aware that in the recent incident, the victim was being informed that she was to receive money once she paid, and she did question why the use of Itunes cards, so to ask questions like that makes me think that something in her gut told her this wasn’t right.”

“I think it is very important to trust your gut,” he said.

By Rachael VAUGHAN