My mum received a call at 6pm on Christmas eve (very unusual time to call) from this fake "reclaim department of the Australia Federal Government". The same amount $5248 was offered as a refund. They asked for her dob. We asked for a cheque to be mailed. We also asked a lot of questions. Including "why" and do you have an address, which they did not and could not supply. Only difference is they said we need to go to post office to complete a form along with $200 for legal admin fees to get our refund. Our red number was rj5412. Not sure what the impact will be. But they said they will call back on Monday to help us complete the form. Not sure how this call will go but it should be "interesting"...

My mother recieved a call yesterday from Rhianna Johnson of the Reclaims Department for the Federal Government saying she was owed $5248. Then asked which bank she would want the money transferred from. She gave date of birth unfortunately because they knew other details, but was asked to call the number 80057523 specifically around 11:00am (which is 6am in India).
Ask for Andrew Anderson or Juila Joseph.
Lucky she told me about it before she called back as the scam is clearly obvious with that info. But these people are good at what they do and why sites like this exist.

They called my home number and asked for me personally; my name is not listed in any 'phone book or as a silent number! My bank had earlier cancelled my debit card and issued a new one without charge as they said the cancelled one had been "compromised". I had attended my daughter's wedding in Fijii, and had used 'Agoda' online accomodation site (apparently China-based) I don't appear to have lost money

My mother in law just received such a call, surprise surprise it was for a wonderful refund for the exact same amount of $5425. She was given a reference number to quote when she called (02) 8005 7523 and ask to speak to the manager "Andrew". I decided to call on her behalf, went through the whole charade of answering questions ..... quite enlightening!! Of course gave them no REAL information. Finally couldn't keep it together anymore and started laughing....stating I am recording this and "you have been scammed". Ooops I must have hit a nerve .... they hung up. :)

Just had call frm these people, they knew my name, address, phone no, date of birth, just about everything about me. She was asian sounding, said i get 5248.00 gave number 2 ring back. when i rang, he was asian also. Said how do i want t b paid, i said, seeing as u have my address, mail it 2 me. Rang bank manager, told her about the call, she said, SCAM

There is no such department as the Reclaim Department. If you are owed a refund of bank charges, then your bank will refund them, not the Government. Only Centrelink, Medicare and the ATO generally give you money back and all of them already have your bank details. If they don't they will send you a letter, they never cold call asking for these details.

Hang up - another Indian money scam.

Yep just had the call. I am sorry I gave them my date of birth though. Wont be calling that number either. Sounded too good to be true. Our Government giving something back to us - I don't think so.

Looks like they're starting with the Nthn Tasmania phone book now... Indian girl, rebate $$$, Ref: AP501 & call this number to talk to her Senior Manager to confirm.

If it's too good to be true, it probably is.

Just had this one today, all the same details as previous. Scam.

Same thing just happened to me... all I was told was that it was the Australian Federal Government and I am entitled to a rebate of $5,325.30 for what she didn't say. But asked to confirm details they had already...again stuff readily available in the phone directory I was given this number (02) 8005 7523 or (02) 8005 7525), to ring and quote AP501 to confirm who I was...
when the woman started asking bank details I hung up and called Telstra to report it.
They were as helpful as a chocolate teapot..
So just be warned... no such thing as a reclaim department in the AFG

Thanks, I didnt bother to call Miss Julia back, but did wonder exactly what type of scam they were operating, they were pretty keen to get my DOB etc.

Just had a call from this number indicating they have some money for me from some Australian government reclaim department. DO I want direct debit or cheque. I indicated cheque but had already given them my DOB and address .and did the whole number back track business. So I called the Manager Ms Julia and quoting my reference number the next step is go to post office and get a Western Union form to fill out and pay $199 for the overseas lawyer one of fee.

Just had a call from this number indicating they have some money for me from some Australian government department. DO I want direct debit or cheque. I indicated cheque but had already given them my DOB (woops) Wife hit the roof and did the whole number back track business. So I will not be callint the Manager Mr Andrew and quoting my reference number.

Indian girl, overseas call, had some details about me (that are in the 'phone book) but not my full name or age. This scam was on radio, if you call the number, they just keep asking for more detail. There is no Australian Federal Government Reclaim Department and they would not reimburse anyone for bank overcharges. Neither have I had $7,352. 28 in bank charges over my whole life!

Is this an Australian Government Department OR a scam. They called us saying they were on behalf of the Government's Reclaim Department but I've never heard of such a Department. They "wanted to send us money"