Scone residents target of phone scam: police number used

Late last year police received several reports of scammers calling people from what appeared to be trusted NSW Police Force numbers, threatening the call recipients with fines or arrest.

This scam has now resurfaced in the Upper Hunter, with residents of Scone being the target.

These scams use technology to make it appear that the calls originate from legitimate police phone numbers - in this case the Scone police station.

The caller impersonates a police officer and states that the person receiving the call has an outstanding fine or warrant and demands a form of payment to prevent arrest or further court action.

"The NSW Police Force will never call a member of the public and demand payment over the phone in order to avoid going to court or being arrested," a NSW Police statement said.

"If you get an unexpected call from someone who states they're from the police, and starts asking for personal details or threatens you, please hang up."

Calls can also be verified by contacting the Police Assistance Line directly on 131 444.

Anyone who has been the victim of a scam should report it to local police or to the ACCC online at the 'SCAMwatch report a scam' page.

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