Go to whole of WA Government search

Smales caught in help me scam

Scammers are using the name of a well known Subiaco jeweller to persuade their victims to urgently send money in a new variation to the ‘help me’ scam.

Reports received by WA Scamnet suggest people are receiving phone calls from scammers saying a relative or friend has purchased jewellery at the Smales jewellery store but their credit card transaction had been declined.

The scammers claim the relative or friend is being held either by store staff or by police and they won’t be released until the payment is made.

In some cases, the scammers encourage their targets to either call the police or their bank to verify the story, but they don’t disconnect the call.

After dialling, victims believe they are talking to the police or their bank but are actually still talking to another scammer who confirms the story is real.

Previously, ‘help me’ scams involved victims getting calls, emails or social media messages from criminals purporting to be officials saying a relative or friend who is travelling overseas has been arrested, involved in an accident or other scenarios where urgent financial assistance is needed.

The scammers are using emotional blackmail and creating an urgent situation where money needs to be sent to have a friend or relative released from custody or to receive treatment for an injury.

If you receive an urgent request for money supposedly from a family member, friend or colleague; be sceptical and try to contact them or someone close to them by phone to verify the story before sending any money.

If making contact electronically, do not respond directly to the request email or Facebook message as this could go back to the scammers.

People should also be aware of the latest tactic where the scammers ask you to make a confirmation call, but they remain on the line. Make sure the original call has been disconnected and you receive a dial tone before calling again. Don’t use any numbers given to you by the scammers; get the numbers independently from the white pages or an internet search.

Reports of scams can be lodged with Consumer Protection by email or by calling 1300 30 40 54.