Media Release
Victims of fraud targeted again by scammers
Police are issuing a warning regarding a new scam targeting victims who have already lost thousands of dollars.
The email-generated scam has been designed to fleece those victims who have already sent money to West Africa in advance fee fraud scams.
An email is sent directly to the vulnerable target telling them that following a recent United Nations meeting a decision was made to compensate victims. The recipient is asked to provide basic details in order to be considered for the scheme.
Detective Superintendent Brian Hay of the State Crime Operations Command Fraud and Corporate Crime Group believes this latest scam is particularly cruel.
“To target those individuals who have already lost thousands of dollars in scams is particularly vicious. These are heartless individuals who have no morals or common decency.
“Anyone who receives this email is asked to delete it immediately. The message we are constantly telling people is to never send any personal details to anyone you don’t know. If something sounds too good to be true then it generally is,” Detective Superintendent Hay said.
Anyone who has been a victim of advance fee fraud is encouraged to report the matter to police, including via the online reporting system located on the police website at www.police.qld.gov.au
Anyone with information which could assist police with their investigations should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day. Crime Stoppers is a charitable community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.
07 3015 2444
