A LOGAN man bought $9000 worth of gift vouchers after he was made to fear he would be arrested for tax evasion by scammers.
A Queensland Police Service spokesperson said the incident was not isolated, with people across the state being targeted by fraudsters pretending to be from the Australian Taxation Office.
The spokesperson said victims were made to believe they owed debt and threatened with arrest if payments via gift card purchases or Google Play gift vouchers were not made.
“In many cases, the victims have been told to purchase large sums of gift vouchers as a form of payment,” the spokesperson said.
“Police are asking the community to remain vigilant and remember that no government organisation, particularly the Australian Taxation Office will seek payment via gift vouchers.”
The spokesperson said police were investigating the case and others like it but warned people to take care.
“Scammers are quick minded and fast acting and will try anything,” the spokesperson said.
“Police are appealing to members of the community to think twice after receiving any call requesting you to pay money to a government organisation via gift cards or any other means.”
Report scams to Policelink on 131 444 or Scamwatch.
