ELDERLY people across NSW have been targeted by a modified fee refund scam.
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Several people have been contacted by a scammer claiming to be from a new federal government agency, Reclub, providing refunds from government departments for overcharging.
Acting NSW Fair Trading Commissioner John Tansey said in one case a retired Commonwealth public servant from Banora Point named Jan was called by a woman who said she was entitled to a $5248 refund.
“When Jan questioned the caller and suggested there was no such federal government agency, she said the caller became very agitated and insisted Reclub was a new agency set up by the new government,” Mr Tansey said.
Jan’s sister received the same scam call.
Mr Tansey said the scam was a variation on the perennial refund scams that plague Australian communities and steal untold sums and identities from consumers on an ongoing basis.
“These scammers will be seeking either bank account details or some sort of administrative payment to transfer the alleged refund,” he said.
“Scams are a serious concern, year in, year out and we continue to warn the community, especially seniors and vulnerable Australians, to hang up and report these calls.”