A Wagga man is warning other residents to be aware of phone scammers after receiving a threatening call on his answering machine.
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Michael Leddin received a rude shock this week when a message left on his answering machine told him he was in trouble with the law.
“It was pretty horrific,” Mr Leddin said.
“They said they were from the ATO (Australian Taxation Office) and the local police had a warrant for my arrest.”
The local painter said he didn’t fall for the ruse, but feared more vulnerable residents might.
“If you were a timid person, you might fall for it,” the 59-year-old said.
“The voice was pretty intimidating.
They said they were from the ATO (Australian Taxation Office) and the local police had a warrant for my arrest.
- Michael Leddin
“Most people should know the ATO doesn’t call you.”
Mr Leddin said he worked with a lot of elderly people and held concerns they would be left out of pocket.
The warning comes as police held two scam forums at the council chambers on Tuesday.
Acting Inspector Phil Malligan said Wagga Local Area Command was working with the Department of Fair Trading to educate residents on the latest scams hitting the region.
He said the forums were organised due to the increased number of calls to police complaining of scam calls, and use the names of reputable businesses and government bodies, including the ATO, AGL (energy company), Microsoft (computer software company), Centrelink and the Australian Federal Police.
“We’re calling on members of the community to not get sucked into the conversation,” Inspector Malligan said.
“Don’t fell obliged to continue the call. If you are receiving (suspicious) emails, delete them straight away – don’t open them.”
Inspector Malligan said police shut down the offending schemes, but as soon as they do, another one soon pops up in its place.
“We get a lot of calls, along with the Department of Fair trading.”