Police are warning community members to be on their guard following a series of scams targeting vulnerable bank clients.
Sunbury police have received several reports from residents who say they have been victims of the new fraud, which aims to dupe bank customers into parting with their hard- earned cash.
Investigators believe the con artists cold call bank customers posing as staff members from the bank’s head office.
They tell the victim that they have been overcharged for account holding fees and will be reimbursed a large amount of money.
The victims are given a pin number which they are asked to confirm during a second phone call the following day.
They are then instructed to send a money order to an address in India to cover a 10% GST charge.
Senior Sergeant Jeffery Verinder said the scammers were extremely convincing and were armed with personal information about their potential victims.
“They are very credible,” he said.
“They will give a name and staff ID number.
“They know the victim’s account details, BSB number, date of birth and home address.
“They even know how long the person has held their account for and use this information to their advantage.”
The fraudsters ask their victims for their driver’s licence details and appear to be targeting bank clients over 50 years of age.
At least five victims have come forward so far and investigators would like to speak to anyone who believes they may have been targeted.
At this stage, it’s believed that none of the victims paid up.
Police are urging anyone who receives similar calls to steer clear of the trick and not to provide personal information or payments to the callers.
“Do not make any payments and report the matter immediately to the police and your bank,” S/Sgt Verinder said. Anyone with any information about the scam should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or contact their local police station.