The Honourable Peter Lawlor
01/10/2010
Queenslanders are being warned about scammers posing as a government representative saying they can get back money for overcharged bank fees.
Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor said there had been reports of Queenslanders receiving calls from people saying they were from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) or other government regulatory bodies and offering a reimbursement on bank charges.
"The scammers are targeting bank customers and claiming they are from the OFT," Mr Lawlor said.
"To engage the consumer the scammers makes reference to a possible class action suit against a bank," he said.
"If you are unsure you are speaking with an officer of the OFT, hang up and call the official number on 13 QGOV (13 74 68)."
"Since 1 January 2010, OFT has logged 71 complaints about people representing themselves as officers of the OFT offering refunds or payments.
"Impersonating a Fair Trading officer is a serious matter and carries a maximum penalty of $10,000."
Mr Lawlor reminded Queenslanders that offers that sounded too good to be true often were.
"If you are called by these people, you should hang up immediately-do not give out your bank details, do not send them money."
"People who fall victim to scams have very little chance of getting their money back.
For more information about scams visit www.SCAMwatch.gov.au or to lodge a complaint visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or call 13 74 68.
