The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is warning of scammers looking to exploit the repeal of the carbon tax for money making schemes.
The ACCC says it's received reports of people impersonating government officials or representatives of energy providers informing consumers they're entitled to a substantial refund as a result of the change in legislation.
Deputy chair Delia Rickard told Mati Safi it's a well organised effort.
"'People are getting a callout of the blue, claiming to be from the federal government, saying the person is owed money for the carbon tax," she said.
"There's talking numbers in the area of over $7,000 or over $5,000. So usually more than a person's energy bill for the year."
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Ms Rickard says people are given a number to call and tricked into giving personal details or paying the scammers money.
She says it's important to know that this isn't how the carbon tax refunds will come through.
"The first thing to know is no legitmate agency, no government, no energy company or utility, no financial instution will ask you to pay money that's actually yours," she said.
"If you have any doubts whatsoever, don't ever use the contact numbers that are supplied through the telephone call.. or email."
"Always independently source them."
