Several locals have recently reported phone calls claiming to be from the Commonwealth Department of Public Prosecution, stating that the homeowner is being sued by the Australian tax office.  

The ATO is aware of a number of phone and email scams, and advises the public to be wary of unsolicited and aggressive calls. Locals who are unsure of the veracity of a tax office related phone call are advised to call the ATO on 1800 008 540. Although the calls appear to be coming from Sydney, the scammers are usually based overseas, and therefore out of the jurisdiction of local police. 

The Australian Federal Police have also alerted the public to an email scam circulating, which claims to be from the AFP inviting recipients to attend court. The AFP do not send emails requesting court attendance, and advise locals to delete the email from their inbox and deleted items folder immediately, and to avoid clicking on any links contained within. Locals who believe they have received a scam phone call or email are recommended to contact Scamwatch, and to refrain from providing personal details to potential scammers. 

Scamwatch is an organisation run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which tracks, targets and provides information on possible scams. To report a phone call to Scamwatch, call 1300 795 995 or visit https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam.