Australians warned of credit scam

People should avoid responding to emails from fraudsters pretending to be from the Australian Tax Office, a fair trading minister has advised.

Consumers are being advised to be on the lookout for an Aussie credit scam currently doing the rounds.

The Australian Tax Office (ATO) reveals that people are being contacted by fraudsters, who - under the pretence of being tax officials - claim to off a 19 per cent tax refund.

But Virginia Judge, fair trading minister in New South Wales, tells the Courier Mail that this is nothing but a scam and that those who have been contacted should avoid handing over credit card, bank account and other personal and financial details to such criminals.

However, those who have already divulged such information are advised to get in contact with the ATO and their bank immediately.

"Legitimate banks and financial institutions will not email you asking for personal information, so if you receive one you can bet you're the target of scammers," she notes.

Such advice comes as the Progress-Leader recently reported a spate of thefts in Boroondara have seen plastic cards and other valuable items stolen.

By Nate Sawyer