Scam alert: Police have urged residents to be vigilant after several reported scams

From fake tradies to ATO scams, police have urged residents to be vigilant after a spate of creative scams in Sydney’s north.

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FROM fake tradies to ATO scams, police have urged residents to be vigilant after a spate of creative scams in Sydney’s north.

Police have received several reports of victims being contacted by someone posing as a representative from the tax office claiming they had outstanding debts. The victims were told they could face prosecution if they don’t pay their tax debts immediately before being told to pay using iTunes cards.

“The ATO are never going to ask you to pay with iTune cards,” a Ryde Police spokesman said.

“They will contact you formally by mail if there are any issues. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the ATO, do not give out any personal information, and definitely do not purchase iTune cards. If you have concerns, contact the ATO directly.”

Several cases of fake tradies who claim to be tradesmen before leaving unfinished work have also been reported.

Police said the con men offer to do jobs such as driveway resurfacing, painting, roof repairs and carpet cleaning at cheap rates before taking cash and leaving.

“They may approach people while they are working in the garden. They look for houses that have handrails and ramps, often targeting older and vulnerable people. They ask for cash before starting the work and will offer to drive you to an ATM,” police said.

Police warned residents, particularly elderly people, to make sure they use reputable tradesmen and get a number of quotes beforehand.

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