This week the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Australia Federal Police issued warnings.

The DHS warning followed reports of a phone call, with an automated voice purporting to be from Centrelink.

A Dubbo woman who reported receiving the phone call said she was told to ring another, Canberra-based number to claim back-dated pension payments.

DHS general manager Hank Jongen said the department took the scams very seriously, and warned customers to be aware of the “growing threat of scams”.

“We are aware of recent telephone scams and remind customers to be cautious if they are contacted by someone claiming to be from the government,” Mr Jongen said.

“While we contact customers from time to time via phone, SMS or email, we would not call a customer with a recorded voice message. Our staff members will always introduce and identify themselves clearly.

“Unfortunately some scams will try to obtain money or confidential information from a customer, and it’s important to understand that we will never ask customers to transfer money, or provide passwords or PINs to bank accounts.”

The AFP warned the public in relation to an email purporting to be from it.

The email suggests a subpoena is being served on the recipient of the email. There are several links in the email.

The AFP said the links may be malicious and should not be clicked on.

The AFP does not issue subpoenas via email, and recommends that recipients delete the email from their inbox and deleted folder.

Any person who is concerned they may have responded to one of these scams should report it through the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network, SCAMwatch or the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Infocentre on 1300 302 502.