Southern District Police have sounded the alarm after numerous reports today of scam calls alleging people in the region are under investigation by Inland Revenue.
A St Leonards woman who received a call contacted the Otago Daily Times saying the automated message alleged she owed money to Inland Revenue (IRD) and would be arrested if she did not pay up.
A post on a police facebook page said the message would then ask for the recipients name and IRD number.
It reminded people that ''government agencies will never call you to ask for your bank account or credit card details by phone.''
If you receive a call and something doesn’t seem right, double check their details and hang up if you have any doubts, police said.
Police said if they claim to be a bank or organisation, call that organisation on the number of their official website and check with them. We recommend people look after their personal details in the same way they would their wallet and personal possessions.
