Australian 'boiler room' scammers try flying dozens of south-east Asian call centre workers to Queensland

Scammers have attempted to fly people into the Australia from Southeast Asia to work in call centres that are designed to rip people off by pushing dodgy investments.

The Australian Border Force says officers stopped four Taiwanese nationals after they arrived at Brisbane Airport on a flight from Taipei on Saturday.

Five others from the same flight were discovered when officers examined the group.

In a statement, ABF said officers found evidence which indicated the group had travelled to Australia to take part in the illegal activity, known as "boiler room scams".

On Sunday another six people arrived at Brisbane on a flight from Taipei.

An investigation found another 20 people offshore who planned to travel to Australia to take part in the schemes.

The ABF said the so-called 'boiler room' scams often involve foreign nationals brought to Australia on student or tourist visas.

They are forced to live and work in poor conditions and carry out the phone scams which usually attempt to swindle money from victims.

ABF Queensland Regional Commander Terry Price said the discovery had uncovered a "highly organised" criminal enterprise.

"Preventing these travellers from coming to Australia will have a significant impact on their operations," Commander Price said.

"The criminals behind this activity not only harm the victims of the phone scams, but are also taking advantage of foreign nationals, who are often brought to Australia on false promises."

"These workers are usually underpaid, forced to live and work in poor conditions and may be subject to other exploitation like having their passports withheld and being forced to repay a false debt."

The first nine people are in detention with cancelled visas, it is unclear where the other six are.

Investigations into those behind the scam continue.