Scammers have recently been calling Australians telling them that there is a warrant out for their arrest. 

Scamwatch is warning consumers the calls may be claiming to be from the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) or Australian Tax Office (ATO).

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Many people have reported to Scamwatch that messages have been recorded on their answering machines asking them to call back later. 

The scammers may spin a range of stories about why an arrest warrant has been issued, including that you have failed to pay taxes.

Scammers typically ask for money to be sent via wire transfer as it’s nearly impossible to recover money sent this way. They may also ask for people’s financial and other personal details to access their money and use this information to commit other scams.

If you provide your bank account details or other personal information, the scammer may use it to commit identity theft or to steal your money.

One of the telephone numbers provided is 02 6100 3027, among many others, and they ask you to call during office hours to discuss the matter further. However, the telephone number has no connection with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, Australian Taxation Office or any other state or commonwealth department.

Scamwatch advises people to be on guard, if you receive such a phone call - 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.

Tips to spot a scam:

The call may sound like it is an automated message with an American accent.

The scammer will ask you to telephone a number that appears to be Australian but is likely to be a VOIP number.

The CDPP is advising people to be vigilant when receiving phone calls of this nature and if in doubt about the authenticity of a call that you receive from the CDPP, contact them on one of the publically listed phone numbers https://www.cdpp.gov.au/contact-us or email inquiries@cdpp.gov.au.

You can report scams to the ACCC via the SCAMwatch report a scam page https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam