FRAUD ALERT! More Than 300 People Lost $150,000

The scammers are extorting money from temporary visa holders and immigrants by giving threats of deportation and the arrest of their loved ones, according to Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission have revealed that more than 300 people lost 150,000 dollars since March 2016.

According to the ACCC, the scammers pretend to be an officer from the Department of Immigration. First, they threaten the victims and then asked money to avoid deportation.

Delia Rickard, Deputy Chair of ACCC told that scammers call the migrants and claim that their paperwork is not complete and they should pay a specific amount of money to stay in Australia.

Miss Rickard further said,

“Currently, the scammers have changed their pattern of looting money from the migrants. They threaten the migrants that they are going to arrest their loved ones or have already arrested. In return, they demand money from iTunes gift cards or wire transfers.”

“They called the victims continually to build the pressure. They also threaten to send the police to victim’s house. Don’t respond to such people. Otherwise, you will lose your money and never see them again.”

Miss Rickard cleared that the Department of Immigration and Border Protection never request iTunes cards or wire transfers.

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“If you are not sure whether you are called by original officials or fake, don’t call on the provided numbers. Instead, call the official phone number, contact online, or visit the nearest available office.”

How to Stay Safe from Scammers?

While you are reading about this huge scam, you might want to know how to avoid such situations. Let’s read below:

1. When someone calls you and claims that he is an immigration officer and you need to pay a certain amount of fine. Otherwise, you will be deported from Australia. End the call, sit back and relax.
2. If you are not sure about someone who claims to be an immigration officer, contact the immigration department directly. Don’t use any contact details provided by the caller. Instead, visit the official website or visit the nearest office.
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4. Don’t send any payments to someone you don’t trust because Immigration Department never ask for wire transfers or iTunes gifts.
5. Don’t provide your personal information like bank account details unless you know the person or you have confirmed that he or she is a valid representative.
6. Check the DIBP fees at the official website to ensure that you are not giving any extra money to scammers.
7. Stay updated regarding your visa status. The DIBP have no need to contact you via cell phone. If you receive such call, don’t provide your personal information and hang up.

If you want to report any scam, you can always contact the Department of Immigration and Border Protection through their Immigration Dob-In Service.

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