Offline or in-person fraud and scams

In-person fraud and scams happen when scammers contact you face to face or by phone.

They trick you into giving them money or personal information which they can use to commit fraud.

About offline or in-person scams and fraud

The most common fraud and scams involve defrauding people of money. Fraudsters will lie to you to take financial or other advantage.
In-person scams and fraud target both individuals and organisations.

The scammers can knock on your door or approach you in public.

They will lie to you to get your money or personal information by asking you for:

• upfront payments for a false product or service
• donations
• personal details in a 'survey'.

Common types of in-person or offline fraud and scams

Recognising different types of fraud and scam can help you protect yourself and your money.

Most common types of in-person or offline fraud and scams include:

In-person identity theft

Scammers will steal your identity to open bank, phone and financial accounts in your name or to access your existing accounts. They might also try to get a loan in your name.

Someone can steal your identity both in person and online. It can happen both to an individual or a business.

Credit card fraud

Credit card fraud is a common type of fraud that can happen both in person and online.

To learn how to recognise credit card fraud, how to protect your credit cards and how to report it visit Credit card fraud.

Investment fraud

Investment fraudsters trick people to invest their money into false opportunities. Find out more about how to recognise investment fraud and what to do if you have been defrauded of your money at Investment scams.

For latest information and advice about current scams visit Scamwatch.

'Blessing' scam targeting the Chinese community

Chinese ‘Blessing’ or ‘Ghost’ scams are worldwide extortion scams targeting elderly Chinese females. They often happen in shopping precincts in areas of high density of people of Chinese origin.

The scammers will approach you in public and convince you that a spirit is following you or that a family member is cursed. They will also tell you that a family tragedy will happen in your family unless they perform a 'blessing'.

They will then:

• ask you to gather cash and jewellery and place them in a bag for the ritual
• swap the bag with your valuables for an identical bag full of low value items during the ritual
• give you back the empty bag or a bag full of low value items and tell you not to open it for a long period of time, any time between 24 hours to 40 days later.

Advice to protect yourself from ‘blessing’ scams

You can help protect yourself and your community from 'blessing' scams.

• be aware of people asking for directions to a Chinese medicine doctor or a spiritual healer
• do not bring strangers home
• do not hand over money or valuables to strangers for "blessing"
• tell your elderly relatives and friends about this kind of scam and raise their awareness.

Report a 'blessing scam'

You should report the 'blessing' scam in person to your nearest police station. Police can arrange a translator to assist with reporting the matter.

In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000).

Advice to protect yourself from offline or in-person fraud and scams

There are steps you can take to keep yourself safe from in-person or offline fraud and scams.

Know how to spot a scam

If it sounds too good to be true, it is probably a scam. The false offer will often:

• be unexpected
• ask for personal information
• sound too good to be true
• promise or offer a larger financial return
• push you to act quickly.

Check the facts

When offered products and services, always check that the person is who they say they are. Ask for their credentials and do further research on the company offering you the service.

Be cautious with direct contact

It is always advised not to respond to unsolicited offers and deals. If you do, make sure that you:

• Do not respond to requests for your personal information.
• Do not give out personal information on incoming calls. Instead, call the company back using a publicly available number.
• Never give your bank details or send money to claim a prize.

If you have been affected by an offline or in-person fraud or scam

You should report an offline or in-person fraud or scam to Scamwatch, as well as the relevant authority.

A solicitor can help if you have lost money as a result of fraud or scam. They can pursue your case as a civil matter to try and recover your funds.

Reporting in-person or offline fraud and scams to police

You should contact and report your experience to Victoria Police if you think a criminal offence occurred as a part of the scam or fraud.

To make a police report, please read and complete the Victoria Police Fraud Report Form before getting in touch.

You will need to gather the following information:

Corporate or business complaints

If you are a business, organisation or a corporation, you can report fraud or scam to ReportCyber.

More complex cases of business fraud may be investigated by Victoria Police. To report a complex case of business fraud, read and complete the Victoria Police Fraud Report Form before getting in touch.

Report in-person or offline fraud and scams to the right authority

To report other common types of fraud, contact the appropriate investigative authority: