“I’ve received about six calls in recent weeks - usually I hang up but when I did listen further, they were asking for my credit card details,” Carol said.

“My daughter and another friend said they had also been contacted, so whoever is doing this is clearly targetting this area at the moment.”

She said she contacted Virgin Airlines and was informed the company was aware of the scam.

“They told me they were telling people to ignore the calls but I am wondering why hasn’t Virgin put anything out warning people?”

The company’s website does include this warning if the appropriate links (http://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/help/automated_scam_calls/) are pursued:

“We have received reports that members of the public are receiving unsolicited phone calls claiming to be from Virgin Australia.

“The calls may involve a ‘prize’ that requires your credit card information to be claimed.

“These calls are not from Virgin Australia.

“We strongly advise customers to hang up immediately if you suspect you have received a scam phone call ...

“More information on this scam can be found on the Scam Watch website.

“We are fully cooperating with authorities and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”