6|
Cairns Local News
Phone Scam using QLD Police Phone Numbers DETECTIVES from the Financial and Cyber Crime Group have issued a warning to Queensland residents about a scam using Queensland Police Service phone numbers to legitimise government or bank impersonation scams. Recent reports indicate the scammers are using a practice known as caller ID spoofing, where they inappropriately manipulate the telephone network to indicate the incoming call is from a different number (in these cases a QPS number). This scam involves you receiving a call from what appears to be a trusted or well-known government phone number and the caller impersonating an employee from the organisation (in this case a police officer) to legitimise the scam. The scammer threatens you in relation to an outstanding fine or fee, for example, a debt with the Australian Taxation Office or a warrant for your arrest or deportation. The scammer then demands a form of payment to prevent action against you. While this type of scam
has been doing the rounds for some time, police are concerned this version of the scam using a QPS spoofed phone number has an additional layer which may result in more members of the community falling victim. Detective Acting Superintendent Vince Byrnes from the Financial and Cyber Crime Group urged Queensland residents to always be vigilant when receiving phone calls from people asking for money or personal details. “Police, or any other legitimate government department or financial institution, will never call you and ask for your personal banking information or payments in gift cards, cryptocurrency or money transfers. “It is important to take independent steps to verify a caller’s identity before providing any personal information or payments of any sort, irrespective of the phone number displayed, or who a caller claims to work for. “Please make your own enquiries if you do receive a phone call from what appears to be a police station, take
NEWS
down the callers details, find a number yourself and dial it in, rather than returning a call you may have missed or were directed to,” said Detective Acting Superintendent Vince Byrnes. Queensland Police officers will never: • Contact you to ask for your Personal Identification Number (PIN) or bank details • Ask you to transfer money out of your account • Ask you to withdraw cash to and over to them for safe-keeping • Send someone to your home to collect cash, cards or your PIN If you have received such a call and made a payment to a scammer, contact your financial institution immediately and report the matter to the Australian Cyber Security Centre – ReportCyber. If you did not lose any funds you can still report the incident to Scamwatch. Learn more about this scam at https://www.scamwatch.gov.au and R U In Control.
Friday, October 23, 2020
Real life thriller Those looking for a thrilling real-life horror film experience this Halloween should book their tickets now for “Freakshow – The Haunt,” taking place in Cairns from Thursday to Saturday, October 29-31. Strictly for ages 15 and up, this is no cheesy haunted house for kids, but rather an exciting realistic experience featuring Hollywood-quality Special Effects, acting, set design, installations, lighting and sound effects. For just $25 per adult, you and a group of friends can have the joy of getting the living daylights frightened out of you as you are taken on a 20-minute walking tour through a maze in an old industrial building, haunted by creepy clowns, chainsaw murderers and others! And before you chicken out, just remember that you will be supporting talented local artists and acting enthusiasts who have spent weeks painstakingly creating the show. Local artist Jessica Lynn created the Freakshow brand after embracing her passion
for horrifying makeup and prosthetic mask design six years ago. She has worked all over the world in film, television music videos, theatres, and festivals. Co-creator Jon Willerton, whose residence is being used for the event, has been a fire performer for decades and has helped build sets and infrastructure for many of Australia’s large outdoor festivals including Wallaby Creek, Earth Frequency and Rainbow Serpent. The third co-creator, Rebecca Scott from Create More, said they also had a trusty team of additional volunteers to help with building and painting the elaborate
set. “We are doing it for fun and for the love of creating, and we are only charging enough to break even,” she said. Create More also received a grant from the Regional Arts Fund to help with this event. The funding was originally for a “Tropical Steampunk” event on September 19, but was re-allocated after that event was cancelled due to COVID. Participants are encouraged to dress up in Halloween costumes and sturdy shoes are recommended. Tickets available at Eventbrite.com.au and for more information visit www. facebook.com/freakshowcairns.
y a D s e ic rv e S y c n e rg e m E y d a e R t e G COME ALONG FROM 9AM - 1PM WINDARRA ST WOREE & GET YOUR DISASTER PLANS IN ORDER!
SAT 31 OCT
MEET CREWS FROM QFES, SES AMBULANCE, POLICE & THE RESCUE 510 HELICOPTER FREE SAUSAGE SIZZLE AND GIVEAWAYS GET SPECIFIC DISASTER ADVICE FOR YOUR PROPERTY
ST
Cairns Local Disaster Coordination Centre
This ‘disaster season’ we can expect prolonged periods of heavy rain, due to the La Nina weather pattern. Find out how to be prepared for whatever natures throws at us, from identifying your risk and how to prepare your home, to packing your Household Emergency Kit and where to get critical emergency information.
For up-to-the-minute information in times of disaster visit disaster.cairns.qld.gov.au or follow us
@cairnsdisastercentre
