Page 4 - PR Mag June19

Police Issue Urgent Warning Following QPS Phone
Number Used in Scam
Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Financial
and Cyber Crime Group have issued a warning to
Queensland residents about a scam using a Queensland
Police Service phone number to legitimize a government or
Australian Taxation Office (ATO) impersonation scam.
In this instance the criminals are using a practice known as
caller ID spoofing where they inappropriately manipulate
the telephone network to indicate the incoming call is from a
Teddy Bears’ Picnic different number (in this case a QPS number).
Bring your picnic blanket and favourite teddy bear and The scam starts when the criminal calls the victim impersonating
head into the woods at John Oxley Reserve, Murrumba a government department. They advise the victim has an
Downs for the day the teddy bears’ have their picnic. outstanding fine or fee with them (for example, the ATO). While
There will be plenty to keep your little ones entertained this type of scam has been doing the rounds for some time,
with stage shows, rides, kid’s activities, an animal farm and a police are concerned this version of the scam has an additional
teddy bear parade all for children under 5 years of age! layer which may result in more members of the community
Murrumba Downs Teddy Bears’ Picnic is a free event proudly falling victim.
presented by Moreton Bay Regional Council and proudly The second part of the scam involves the criminal calling
supported by Councillor Denise Sims. the victim from what appears to be a trusted or well-known
Wednesday, June 5, at 9:00am – 12 noon, Ogg Rd, Murrumba government phone number and impersonating an employee
Downs. from the organisation (in this case a police officer) to legitimise
the scam. The criminal posing as a police officer threatens you
with arrest or states they will commence legal action before
demanding a form of payment.
“While this may sound alarm bells and cause the public to
become extra cynical when they receive a call like this, then we
are 100% fine with this. We want you to be on your guard and we
want you to question anyone who asks you for money.
“The biggest fault in this scam is that they ask you to pay the
fee or fine in gift cards. Just know, no government agency, law
enforcement or any legitimate organisation will ask you to pay
them in gift cards,” Detective Superintendent Terry Lawrence of
the Financial and Cyber Crime Group said.
Australian Cyber Online Reporting Network (ACORN) indicates
they have had 121 reports of the ATO scam in Queensland in
2019, totalling $173,000.
Police have commenced enquiries regarding this scam and the
illegal use of the police number.
Members of the public can learn about scams at www.
scamwatch.gov.au, mypolice.qld.gov.au R U In Control. Scams
can be reported to www.acorn.gov.au