Police phone scam

POLICE are urging residents to dob-in a phone scammer masquerading as a donation collector for Victoria Police.
Greater Dandenong Crime Investigation Unit Detective Senior Constable Stuart Freeman said a Dandenong South business first reported the scam last week after receiving a phone call asking for a minium $450 donation towards a police drug awareness program.
Det Sen Const Freeman said Victoria Police never asked for donations and that the call was a scam that residents should avoid at all costs.
But he urged residents and business owners who receive a similar call to immediately phone Crime Stoppers and report the scammers so police could trace their location.
“The phone caller identifies himself as a man working on behalf of a company called PCYC, who is collecting donations on behalf of Victoria Police for a drug awareness program,” he said.
“The minimum $450 donation is conducted by giving credit card details.
“The victim (business owner) was suspicious and queried the caller, who immediately hung up the phone. We are keen to know about any other calls people or businesses have received like this.”
Phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.