Post-storm scammers may be on the prowl and seeking to take advantage of local communities in recovery, local police have warned.
Police say people posing as tradesmen, tree-loppers or electricians are known to approach people in times of hardship and offer to restore or repair their properties at exorbitant prices.
Scammers may use email, text message or social media to try and trick online users into revealing account information or financial details.
The most common online scams involve fake websites to try and get the victim to pay for non-existent products and services, asking for personal and financial information and installing malicious software on devices.
Police have given a few tips to avoid being scammed:
- If approached by any person offering services or a tradesperson offering to help, ask for their business card or to see their General Construction Induction Card (White Card) Worksafe Queensland.
- If offered electrical help, check the provider’s electrical licence here: Electrical Licence Register. If you are unsure about an electrician, decline their services and find a licenced electrical contractor yourself either online or through Master Electricians Australia on 1300 889 198.
- If you witness any suspicious activity in your area as recovery efforts continue, report it immediately to police.
- To check if your contractor is licenced, visit Electrical License Search.
To learn more about scams, visit www.scamwatch.gov.au.
If you have been the victim of a cybercrime, you can report this online at ReportCyber.
