Scammers are calling people and pretending to be from Australia’s National Anti-Scam Centre. They tell you that your phone number is being used in a scam in China and offer to help you ‘clear your record’. These scammers work hard to gain your trust and then try to steal money and your sensitive information.

How to Spot the Scam

This scam can be hard to spot because scammers can make a call look like it’s from a legitimate number. However, the National Anti-Scam Centre will never ask you for money, financial or personal information, or threaten you.

Anyone calling and behaving like this is most likely a scammer, it is recommended you hang up immediately and report the scam.

How the Scam Works and What to Look Out For

• Someone calls you saying they’re from the NASC (National Anti-Scam Centre).
• The phone call looks like it comes from a legitimate phone number belonging to a trusted organisation, like the government or police.
• They say they’re investigating a phone number registered in your name that’s being used in a scam in China.
• They claim they’re working with the Chinese Anti-Scam Centre or Chinese police and say they will help you ‘clear your record’.
• They ask you questions to ‘confirm you’re not involved’ in the scam.
• They may spend a lot of time with you, building your trust.
• They may try to threaten you to steal your money and sensitive information.

If You’ve Been Affected

There is no shame in getting scammed, it can happen to anybody.

If you’ve had money stolen, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.

If you’ve had personal information stolen or need help to recover from a scam, contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160. Help others by reporting scams to Scamwatch.

Sources: 

Scamwatch