ARARAT police are calling on businesses across the city to be wary of elderly people falling victim to phone and email scams. The call comes after one elderly resident was scammed out of $14,000. After receiving a phone call purportedly from the Australian Tax Office, the man was told to he owed $14,000 in back taxes that would have to be paid in iTunes cards. He then purchased the iTunes cards from two separate Ararat businesses before passing on the cards’ individual codes to the phone caller, who was able to steal the money. Ararat Sergeant Mario Miocic said businesses needed to look after their customers. “If an elderly person presents at a counter asking for $14,000 in iTunes cards alarm bells should start ringing,” he said. “If something looks untoward call police.” Sgt Miocic said the $14,000 handed to the scammers was not recoverable. He said suspicious emails or phone calls can be reported to Scamwatch on 1300 795 995 or to Ararat police on 5355 1500.

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