Don’t become a victim of the latest scam trend: family impersonation.
Scammers are sending texts with ‘Hi Mum’ or It’s me’ and claiming to be a family member having difficulty with their phone.
You should:
- Not provide any information or transfer any money until you have verified that they are the family member they are claiming to be.
- Call their usual number, even if they claim they cannot receive calls. If the family member picks up, then you know their claims about having difficulties with their phone aren’t true.
- Ask your family member a question only they would know the answer to.
- Delete any messages or emails that seem suspicious.
- Continue to regularly monitor your account transactions using Online Banking or the Police Credit Union Banking App or check your statements. If you see any unauthorised transactions, call us as soon as possible on 1300 131 844.
Be aware, Paypal scams have also reappeared. The current scam targets sellers, asking you to transfer funds in order to ‘increase the limit on your Paypal account’ so you can then be paid for the item you are selling. Never send money to anyone in order to receive money as this is a sure sign of a scam.
It is important that you share these warnings with family and friends, especially if they could be more vulnerable to scams.
Find out more about other types of scams here. To keep up to date about the latest scams, visit Scamwatch, a helpful government website that provides information to consumers and small businesses about how to recognise, avoid and report scams.