I've learned three things today:
> Fraudsters have developed rather sophisticated strategies and natural disasters leave the door wide open for them.
> Do not give out ANY personal details over the phone to callers whose identity you are not 100% sure of.
> Our police stations aren't connected to the internet.

Earlier this afternoon:

My phone rings. A women with a slight Indian accent says:

'Could I please speak to Mrs Walter?'

'Speaking'

'Your address (stating my address) has been identified by the department for disaster recovery to be eligible for a recovery grant after recent events. This grant is non-repayable, which means you get it for life and never have to repay it -  it's yours to keep. My name is Gillian W. (she spells her full name) The government has asked my department to help with the fast and uncomplicated pay-out for all affected areas. Madam I give you our ABN for your records: 37862725624. You know what an ABN is, Madam, don't you? Our Australian Business Number'.'

'So which company exactly are you calling from?'

'I told you, Madam, we are working for the Department for Disaster Recovery. Please go to our website (she spells the whole thing): www.minister.regional.gov.au/sc/ . Have you got that? Right? (I am checking as she talks and the website seems legit) Now, Madam, we need to assess, which grant category you are eligible for'.'

She now asks a couple of inconspicuous questions like 'How many dependants have you got?', 'Are you employed?' then tells me:

'Madam, we have identified that you are eligible for a grant between $6000 and  $15.000. the government is committed to help people of Queensland out swiftly. I will now need to confirm with my supervisor the category you will fall in and which application code to give you."

Thinking about my very minor flood damage - restricted to a soggy lawn, really -  I am somewhat confused and ask:

'This just does not sound right, could you please give me your departments phone number, so I can ask some questions?'

'Yes, Madam of course, the government department's phone number is 02 6140 3354. have you got that, Madam?' Please phone them and confirm the legitimacy of this programme. In the meantime: Here is your case number  804422. Please write it down. You will need this case number, when you fill in your claim. When everything is set up from our department I will call you back in about 10 minutes and I take you through the procedure. And please feel free to do all the enquiries you need in the meantime.''

Instead of phoning the phone number Gillian gave me I studied the web page she referred me to - no reference to a phone campaign! I decide to phone the number for the Australian Government’s Emergency Assistance Hotline on 180 2266  - if nothing else then to report this case of 'phishing'.

The gentleman at the Emergency Assistance Hotline confirmed that this sounded indeed like phishing and recommended to not give out any personal details over the phone to ANY caller however sincere they sound. He recommended to phone my local police station to report the incident, because they can't deal with reports of fraud even when committed in their name.

So I google 'noosa police phone nr' - I get 'the Beat' at Hastings Street.. The Administrator there is very apologetic and refers me to Noosa Heads Police Station for various reasons. Before putting the phone down, she recommends to not give out any details ever to people who phone you.

'Ok', I say and phone Noosa Heads police station. I'm held in a queue for a considerable time when Gillian phones again. She opens with:

'Right, Madam, everything is set up for you now. You just need to go to the post office now to get a disaster recovery claim form. How quickly can you go there, Madam? If you fill in the form today, the grant money can be in your account in two days. this is a minimum of $6000 in your account by Wednesday. And remember it is a non-repayable grant. The form you need to get at the post office is titled 'Western Union credit transfer form' You will need to pay the legal fee in advance. It is a fully refundable $149. It is not a problem, Madam, the $149 will be refunded and added to your grant  transferred on Wednesday''.

'Ahh' I say 'This is how you do it! Now why on earth would I transfer money to India to get a grant?'

Gillian is getting annoyed with my ignorance now.

'Madam, do you know how much it would cost you to get Australian lawyers to set the money transfer up for you? DO YOU? Have you got any idea how much that would cost you??? This is the most cost effective way for the Australian Government to distribute the disaster recovery fund... '

'Look, Gillian, I am actually speaking on the other line with the police about your 'grant scheme'. I will let them do the investigation from here on in, if you don't mind.''

(Gillian now stern and slightly annoyed)

'Madam, did you actually phone the number I gave you? no? You didn't, did you? Well, of course the other departments don't know about this combined disaster fund. The are either concerned with flooding or with the cyclone. We deal with all of the disasters... and remember, it's non-repayable...'

'Thanks Gillian'

I'm finally through the waiting loop at the police station and a very sympathetic officer picks up the phone.

And guess what?

The police officer informs me, that they can't deal with any phishing reports, unless money has been extorted and a crime has been committed.

And no, they are not even allowed to take notes of it and pass them on to the Queensland Police fraud department. The fraud department does have a website. And no, she couldn't give me any more details or help me out further, because (my jaw dropped)  the police station isn't connected to the internet!!!

The officer was admirably patient and understanding while I was venting my frustration about wanting to do my bit as a good citizen... about not feeling appreciated... about the system being rigged in favour of fraudsters... outdated... archaic...  Before she goes she warns me:

'If anyone PHONES YOU for a service, special offer, price draw, enquiry and asks you for any of your details such as date of birth, or any other dates, numbers or even your bank details: Don't do it! DO NOT GIVE ANY DETAILS OUT OVER THE PHONE!'

I got that now ;)

and I hope you did too!

Stay safe!
Bettina