Local residents are urged to be alert and on guard if you receive a phone call from someone saying you have an arrest warrant and asking you to pay a fee, hang up and do not respond. If in doubt, don’t use the contact details provided – look up the government department or organisation yourself in the phone book or online and phone or email them.

Is there a warrant out for my arrest from HMRC?

A caller using a mobile phone. The swindle involves a call telling you that HMRC have a warrant out for your arrest as you haven’t paid the correct tax. Don’t fall for it – criminals are trying to dupe money out of you.

What did you do if you received a threatening phone call?

But many others, who received this threatening call, panicked, felt fearful and fell for the scam. Bhaumik Brahmbhatt was manipulated into paying $20,000 into bitcoin cash machine. Adelaide-based Bhaumik Brahmbhatt was manipulated into paying $20,000 to these scammers who threatened to arrest him.

What is the basis of an arrest warrant?

The caller claims that the basis of the warrants is non-payment of the underlying loan and/or hacking. If it’s the latter, the caller tells the victim that he or she is wanted for hacking into a business’ computer system to steal customer information.

Be on guard, if you receive a phone call from someone saying you have an arrest warrant and asking you to pay a fee, hang up and do not respond. If in doubt, don’t use the contact details provided – look up the government department or organisation yourself in the phone book or online and phone or email them.

Why are arrest warrants issued in Your Name?

“An arrest warrant has been issued in your name!” Classic scams are classic for a reason. They work! Because there’s nothing quite like the fear of an arrest to capture your attention; and your hard-earned dollars.

Are there any fake arrest warrants in Australia?

SCAMwatch is warning consumers to be aware of calls from scammers falsely claiming to be from the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) or Australian Tax Office (ATO). Scammers have recently been calling Australians telling them that there is a warrant out for their arrest.

What happens if there is a warrant out for your arrest?

If there’s a warrant out for your arrest, police do not call first. If you’re in trouble with the law, you will know it. The police will knock on your door or send a certified letter regarding any legal action against you. You can avoid all scams; really; just let all unknown callers go right to voicemail. Need to get the specifics on the number?

Are there any arrest warrants issued in Australia?

However, the telephone number has no connection with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, Australian Taxation Office or any other state or commonwealth department. The scammers may spin a range of stories about why an arrest warrant has been issued, including that you have failed to pay taxes.