Northern Territory Police are again warning Territorians to be cautious of a phone scam targeting residents, where callers pretend to be from the Australian Tax Office (ATO).

Detective Sergeant Craig Windebank said reports to the ATO have increased over the past months.

“The Australia Tax office normally receives around 30 reports per month complaining about this scam in the Northern Territory,” Acting Senior Sergeant Windebank said.

“Lately this has increased to 245 reports per month.

“Many of the victims receive a recorded message alerting them to an outstanding debt. The scammers require payment immediately, regularly threatening arrest if they do not comply.

“The payment is often requested in unusual methods including iTunes cards or prepaid debit cards. To be thorough, they may request the victim to remain on the phone while making the purchase.”

Police urge Territorians to be wary of the legitimacy of requests. Please be mindful that the ATO will not ask you to provide personal information, credit card information or money via phone calls or emails.

If you believe you are a victim of a scam please contact scamwatch on 1300 795 995 to report the matter on www.acorn.gov.au.