Sunshine Coast police have received multiple reports of a scam that involves elderly members of the community being asked for assistance to “scam the scammer” by purchasing thousands of dollars of gift cards.
Victims are reporting that a scammer, pretending to be someone from the Fraud or Security team of well-known banks or telcos, rings to alert the victim of suspicious activity in their bank account.
The scammer then requests the victim’s assistance to help them “scam the scammers”.
The scammer proceeds to ask the victim to purchase gift cards, provide the details of those gift cards to the security team to help with a “sting” on the scammer, with a promise that the institution will reimburse them for the purchase of the cards at the end of the day.
An example of this incident occurred on June 21, when a 66-year-old man, on behalf of a 91-year-old man, purchased $28,000 worth of gift cards from a shop in Kawana in one day.
Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Mansfield said police are working to educate Sunshine Coast businesses that sell gift cards about these types of scams, and are also warning anyone in the Sunshine Coast community that may receive a phone call like this one.
“Scams are ever-changing, and though this exact scenario may not be repeated, it’s important to be vigilant when engaging with people on the phone or online,” Detective Senior Sergeant Mansfield said.
“Being asked to purchase gift cards or transfer or withdraw money is a red flag.
“If in doubt, don’t engage, speak to your bank or telco directly, and report the potential scam.
“Please also look out for your older parents, neighbours or friends and encourage them to be weary.”
Police will continue to investigate alongside other government agencies.
