Wimmera Proactive Policing Unit Senior Constable Abby Harrisson said 2021 has been a year where many scammers have tried to prey on those who may have been more isolated than usual.

"There has definitely been a rise since COVID has hit, especially with these deception-based offences," she said.

"With people feeling a bit more vulnerable and a bit more isolated they are probably not making the same decisions they would if they had someone to talk to about it."

Senior Constable Harrisson said there had been a number of repetitive scams which may have caught some people out in 2021.

Senior Constable Harrisson said some people have been scammed by forming online relationships they thought were real.

"Especially in these times, people may be having an online romance with someone who they believe is real, but it turns out they are not," she said.

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"And as part of this relationship people are sending money to the other person, who may be some entirely different who lives overseas."

Senior Constable Harrisson said people should be aware of these deception-based offences and should take precaution before sending funds to any person.

Senior Constable Harrisson said scammers had been opportunistic in 2021, creating false sales of cars and animals to catch people out.

"The scammers are using COVID restrictions to stop buyers viewing potential purchases before sale, but then the item does not exist," she said.

"With this one we would recommend viewing the items in person before handing over any money.

"And if there are restrictions in place, then it is recommended that you wait to make the purchases because some people are paying some pretty big prices for cars and they are just not there."

Requests for the purchase of gift cards is also a scam which has been present in 2021, deceiving many people along the way.

"The advice for this one is not to purchase gift cards for unknown people," Senior Constable Harrisson said.

"We are getting people who are reporting emails from their long lost relative or a government organisation requesting them to buy this gift card and give us this number.

"Thousands of dollars has ended up being spent on these gift cards."

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Senior Constable Harrisson said residents should not provide personal details in response to any email and should be suspicious of any email you receive from someone you don't know or trust.

She also recommended the installation of anti-virus software on phone and computer systems as an added protection measure.

The Wimmera Proactive Policing Unit covers and area which spans from Ararat to the South Australian border, with one of their focusses on crime prevention.

"We are about creating positive engagement with the community," Senior Constable Harrisson said.

"We have a crime prevention role and so this focus on scams is part of that crime prevention.

"We note what is happening in the community and then try to help get the message out to try and help stop the crime from happening.

"Our advice is if a message doesn't feel right, then ask for a second opinion.

"And you can always call your local police station for more information."

If you believe you have been a victim of a scam you can contact the police assistance line on 131 444.

Other scamming activity can be report online or on the phone via Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000).

Residents can also head to the Scamwatch website to report or view scams reported across the country.

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