At least two local reports have been made in the past week about the scam which involves a phone call from someone impersonating a Fair Trading officer.

Fair Trading Port Macquarie Manager Kathy Townsend said the caller was asking people to go to Australia Post to pay $199 in overpaid bank fees to a specific account.

The caller then asks people to phone 8006 2437 to provide their banking details.

A person with a strong accent, claiming to be from the Office of Fair Trading, answers the phone.

“People should not provide any personal details over the phone to anyone,” Mrs Townsend said.

“Not even a bank or government

institution would ask for these details over the phone.”

Mrs Townsend said Fair Trading and police were looking in to the matter.

“We have had lots and lots of scams in the past that have all come under different guises,” she said.

“In some cases

people get details through the phone book – people need to be really careful about where they provide their details, especially entering details for competitions.”

Fair Trading Minister Virginia Judge said consumers in Dubbo and the South Coast had also been targeted.

“Consumers should be aware of similar calls and offers and if in doubt call Fair Trading immediately on 13 32 20 for advice,” Ms Judge said.