Northern Territory Police are reminding the public to be aware of scammers following an incident in which an Alice Springs woman was scammed of more than $20,000.

It is alleged the woman received a call from someone identifying themselves as a representative for the Australian Taxation Office, and claiming she had incorrectly filed her tax return.

The fake representative threatened the victim with an arrest warrant should she fail to make payment and demanded the woman pay a total of $29,000, which she did, in the form of i-tunes and Google Play Cards.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Leith Phillips said scamming was a despicable act, and hoped by educating people about scammers, the scammers would have less luck finding innocent victims.

“In many cases, scammers demand the victim may payment via the Post Office or ‘Load and Go” card, or in this instance – i-tunes and Google Play Cards”, said Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Phillips

“If you receive a call or email out of the blue from someone claiming to represent the ATO and that you are entitled to, or owe money, Police advise you to end the phone call or delete the email.

“You can check whether a person is legitimate by calling the ATO on the official contact number 13 28 69.”

People are encouraged to report scams to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commissioner via the SCAMwatch page or by calling 1300 795 995.

For more information about Scams please visit:

http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/1164149

Police would like to remind Territorians they should never provide personal details to a stranger. This information can then be used to commit identity and financial theft.

Police encourage anyone who has been a victim of this scam or anyone who may have further information to contact them on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.