Victims buy $80K in iTunes gift cards to pay fake tax debts, police warn

SHOPS are being urged to look out after several seniors were bullied buying large amounts of iTunes gift cards to pay off fake tax debts.

Phone fraudsters are targeting the lower north shore. Picture: David De Lossy

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PHONE fraudsters have stolen almost $80,000 in two stings on Sydney residents using a gift card scam, police said.

In the scam, a caller claims that an outstanding tax bill must be paid using iTunes gift cards.

One resident purchased $60,000 worth of gift cards to settle the fake debt and handed over the details to a man on the phone.

And an elderly couple also fell victim to the scam, coughing up $18,000.

They received a call from a man who said if they did not pay, action would be taken against them.

He told them the payment could be settled with iTunes cards and left his details.

“The couple attended their local supermarket and purchased $18,000 worth of iTunes cards. They returned home and contacted the number provided and gave the reference numbers and security codes,” North Sydney Police said.

The couple spoke to a friend a few days later who told them it was a scam.

They contacted police and the matter is now being investigated.

North Sydney police are investigating the incidents. Picture: Annika Enderborg

Police are urging residents not to provide anyone with any personal information over the phone or online.

They are also asking businesses to be alert if elderly people try to purchase large amounts of iTunes cards.

Scams can be reported at scamwatch.gov.au.

Australians lost more than $229 million in scams last year.

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