Last week the Orange man received an automated call requesting confirmation that he had made a Amazon purchase of $754. He was then told to press number one on his phone if this was not him making the request.

"So when you press one you make an outgoing call so there's no way to trace the caller," Mr O'Mara said.

"When I looked at my call history, there was no call. I want to give people a warning to make sure they know it's around."

After this he was then transferred to an "excited male voice with what sounded like Indian accent."

"He then asked to confirm I did not make this purchase and I was not that suspicious at this stage," he continued.

"He then said my computer ID had been hacked and they we using all my details and this was the fourth purchase.

"Then he started to ask me for personal details. I then questioned him if my personal details were hacked what information can he advise me were hacked as he had the information."

This went on for a little longer before the caller said he was not able to disclose the personal information.

"The caller then went through scenario that they had my computer IP address and he asked me to confirm after long, many alpha and number 23 - 24 characters could I confirm," Mr O'Mara said.

"I said I would check. He then said he will help me and asked me to go to Microsoft command prompts to confirm address.

"I was very guarded by now and once I entered another command I saw I had granted their hacking web site access to my computer. I immediately shut the computer down.

"I then went to check my phone call log to track the call location no record. The hacker did not give up he called me back and called me a liar and was very up set."

This was far from the first time he has experienced a hacker and knows it unfortunately won't be the last.

"Different people ring up with different stories about how your computer has been hacked or it has a virus in it, and straight away you know it's a scam by the professionalism of the call," he said.

"On this occasion, there was so much noise in the background and there he was so excited and unprofessional I thought this can't be real."

Every year, thousands of Australians are targeted by scams, whether it be online, via phone, mail or even in person. You can find a list of current scams identified on sites such as scamwatch.gov.au, www.cyber.gov.au and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's website dedicated to informing people about fraudulent activities.

If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft, it is important that you act quickly to reduce your risk of financial loss or other damages. You can contact iDcare - a free government-funded service which will work with you to develop a specific response plan to your situation and support you through the process.

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