Watch out for ‘bank fee’ scammers posing as Fair Trading officers
Posted by editor (editor) on Jul 22 2010
2010 >>

Queenslanders are being warned about scammers posing as a government or company representative saying they can get back money for overcharged bank fees.

Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor said there had been reports of Queenslanders receiving calls from a person saying they were from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and could help the consumer get a significant refund.

“The scammer starts the call by stating he is from OFT and gives out the office address in Charlotte Street, Brisbane,” Mr Lawlor said.

“The OFT does not call consumers offering to get back overcharged bank fees.

“Under no circumstances does it ask consumers to send money or provide personal banking details.

“If you get this type of call you should hang up and report information or lodge a complaint with the OFT by visiting www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or calling 13 13 04.

“Impersonating a Fair Trading officer is a serious matter and carries a maximum penalty of $10,000.“

Mr Lawlor said other Queenslanders had recently received calls from scammers claiming to be ‘bank fee reclaim experts’.

“The caller tells the consumer they have thousands owing to them in overcharged bank fees,” Mr Lawlor said.

“They offer to help the consumer reclaim the owed bank fees and ask them to send money or provide bank details for the fees to be directly deposited.

“Again consumers called by these people should hang up immediately—do not give out your bank details, do not send them money.”

Mr Lawlor reminded Queenslanders that offers that sounded to good to be true often were.

“People who fall victim to scams have very little chance of getting their money back.

“Beware of similar calls and offers and if in doubt contact the Office of Fair Trading on 13 13 04 or visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au.”

For more information about scams visit www.SCAMwatch.gov.au or to lodge a complaint visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or call 13 13 04

Last changed: Jul 22 2010 at 11:16 AM