ACCC issues visa scam warning

The ACCC says it's received about 150 reports of scammers using the threat of deportation to extort money.

Girl on phone

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says it's received about 150 reports of scammers using the threat of deportation to extort money.

The Commission says the scammers are targeting both Australian residents and those temporarily in the country on various visas, by impersonating government officials, demanding up-front fees of around $1000.

It's urging those receiving such calls to simply hang up.

Deputy Chair Delia Rickard told Van Nguyen a high proportion of those targeted have been people from India and Pakistan.

(Click on the audio tab above to hear the full interview)