TAMWORTH police have issued a friendly warning to the elderly after reports of a phone scam in the region.
Senior Constable Tracey Freeman said there had been a number of reports of people being called and asked for their banking details.
“Older people are often a target for thieves because they can be more vulnerable,” she said.
The caller is understood to tell the person answering the phone they are from a government agency and their bank account details are required to deposit funds into accounts of residents who are entitled to a $4000 benefit.
Senior Constable Freeman said con artists were quite often friendly and clever.
“If they attempt to bully you or insist on obtaining your details, call the police straight away and never provide any personal details,” she said.
Senior Constable Freeman recommended if someone made contact suggesting they were from a government agency that the person answering the call ask for the caller’s name and contact details to attempt to verify their identity before providing any personal information.
Anyone with concerns or who has received one of the calls is asked to contact Tamworth police on 6768 2999 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.