Tax scam
STANTHORPE police are fielding a number of inquiries from people reporting a scam allegedly involving the Australian Tax Office.
According to officer in charge of Stanthorpe police Sergeant Mark Ireland there has been a number of phone calls purportedly from the Australian Tax Office and originating from an 02 area code.
“The caller states that monies are owed from an outstanding tax debt and that payment can only be made via the use of ITUNE cards,” he said.
“Two victims that police are aware of have told police that upon believing the caller they have then gone and purchased a large number of ITUNE cards from local stores and provided the activation code to the person committing the fraud, amounts of approximately $2000 and $400 respectively.
“Further checks after the event have established that the call was fraudulent.
“People are advised that the ATO will not contact you by phone and that any such call, demanding payment, will be fraudulent.
“If any such calls are received, do not purchase ITUNE cards and provide activation codes to any caller.
“If you received such a call or are a victim report in on line immediately on website www.acorn.gov.au.”
Historic house fire
POLICE and emergency services responded to a house fire at Glenlyon historic property at Glenlyon Dam Road, Glenlyon, about 10.30pm on Friday.
While fire units from Texas and Stanthorpe were unable to save the main homestead, they were able to prevent the fire engulfing nearby guest accommodation.
The fire is not being treated as suspicious by investigators with the origin of the fire believed to be an electrical fault.
Assault charges
AN ASSAULT between two males inside IGA about 1.50pm Friday resulted in swift action by police with a 50-year-old Cottonvale man being arrested a short time later and charged with assault occasioning bodily harm.
Stanthorpe police said the two males, who were known to each other, met in an aisle inside IGA at which time the offender pushed the victim and a fight began.
They alleged the victim was kicked in the forehead causing lacerations.
The offender, who was known to police, was processed through the Stanthorpe Watch-house and bailed to appear Stanthorpe Magistrates’ Court this week.
Driver crackdown
POLICE continue to crack down on drug and drink drivers this week following a spate of the offences in recent weeks.
Stanthorpe police Senior Sergeant Mark Ireland said a further three drug drivers and one drink driver were intercepted and charged during the week by the Stanthorpe Road Policing Unit.
He said a 60-year-old man was intercepted driving on Cosmo Lane, Cottonvale, about 3.30pm last Thursday and later blew .089 per cent.
The three drug drivers, aged 23, 31 and 39, were intercepted driving vehicles in Britannia Street, New England Highway, Applethorpe, and Texas Road, Broadwater, and recorded positive to either cannabis or amphetamines.
