The emails claim the recipient is being fined for a driving infringement, before directing them to a link that claims to take users to the relevant documentation.

Acting Commander of the Fraud and Cybercrime Squad, Acting Superintendent Matthew Craft, said recipients are advised to look out for warning signs, including a false infringement cause, number, date and fine amount, and states the email is an automated message, asking the reader not to reply.

“Those who receive such emails are advised not to click on the link in the email, but should delete the email immediately. Clicking on links within the email could result in the computer being infected with malicious software such as spyware or ransomware,” Acting Superintendent Craft said.

“These scammers will continue to come up with innovative ways to scam innocent victims; however, our messages continue to remain – if in doubt, delete and report it to police.

“If you have a feeling you have been scammed, inform police and the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network and Scamwatch. Stay Smart Online has information on recognising scams and hoaxes.

“In some cases, victims have been convinced to transfer their money to another nominated account for safe keeping by scammers purporting to be from the police,” he said. 

Members of the public should also note some of the fake infringement emails claim to have been sent in the name of ‘Criminal Legal,’ which styles itself as ‘Australia’s Most Informative Criminal and Traffic Law Website’. Other emails claim to be from different sources.

Police urge members of the public to take the following precautions to reduce the risk of being scammed by cold callers:

• Never provide your personal or banking details to a person who cold calls you;

• Be careful what personal information you provide over the phone, even if you are the person who made the call;

• Never provide your financial PIN or account passwords over the phone;

• If you have been cold called on a landline, consider making any further calls on a different phone or check that the line is free by calling someone you know first;

• If you are suspicious about the credentials of a person on the phone, ask questions – what’s their street address, telephone number, Australian Financial Services Number – if they avoid answering then it could be a scam;

• Never transfer funds to a person or an account you do not know.

To find out more information about scams, to report a scam or to find out other ways to protect yourself, visit www.scamwatch.gov.au

If you have been the victim of a scam, you can also report it to your local police station.