Residents asked to take part in Scam Survey

31-January-2012

Member for Port Stephens Craig Baumann is encouraging local residents to help law enforcement agencies tackle scammers and fraudsters by participating in a confidential on-line scam survey.
The Australasian Consumer Fraud Task Force and the Australian Institute of Criminology’s annual on-line scam survey gathers the most up-to-date and complete picture of the prevalence and nature of scams, assisting governments to reduce the incidence of scams and better warn the community.

Mr Baumann said information supplied by the public on what scams are being touted out there on the ground is a key weapon in the war against fraudsters.
“If you have been the victim of a scam or noticed a new or persistent form of scam, your participation in the national on-line survey can make a positive contribution to ridding the community of these opportunistic criminals,” he said.
“Scammers target people of all ages, incomes and addresses, but sadly, it is often those whom least can afford to be stung are the ones to fall into their clutches.
“If each of us plays our small role in this Australia-wide effort to identify scams and learn how to avoid them, it may be our family member, friend or neighbour saved from losing their money or personal identity security.”
The information received by the survey will assist law enforcement agencies to better map emerging scam trends and identify new and timely messages to alert the public as to what to watch out for and how to protect yourself from scams.
Last year’s survey showed a sharp increase in the number of people being approached by scammers and an increase in overseas-based telephone scams and SMS scams.
The on-line scam survey is open until 31 March. All responses will remain anonymous. Individual responses will not be disclosed to third parties and will only be used for statistical analysis.
You can find the survey at http://aic.gov.au/crime_community/surveys/acft.asx




Media: Craig Baumann – 0418 686 400