‘Solar rebate’ phone scam warning

Queenslanders are being warned about a new phone scam that’s surfaced in Brisbane.

Minister for Energy and Water Supply Mark McArdle said residents in the Aspley area had received calls from scammers claiming to be from the Queensland Government’s ‘renewable energy team’.

The scammers lure people with the offer of a $2,000 solar rebate and request the homeowner’s bank details.

“This is a scam. The Queensland Government makes no direct payments to residents under the solar rebate scheme,” Mr McArdle said.

“The best way to beat the scammers is for people to not be drawn into a conversation and immediately hang up if they receive a phone call like this.

“They should also report the call to the Office of Fair Trading on its hotline number – 13 74 68.

“The old adage that if something looks too good to be true, it probably is, certainly applies in this case.

“Payments would only be made to a consumer by an electricity retailer – not the Government – if electricity is generated above and beyond a household’s electricity use.  

“Never give your bank details to anyone you don´t know and trust.”

Details on the Queensland Government’s Solar Bonus scheme are available at www.dews.qld.gov.au while tips to protect consumers against fraud are available at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au/protect-yourself-against-consumer-fraud

Scam reports can be made by phoning 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or visiting www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au