Police warn of phone scam targeting Melbourne suburb Keilor Downs

Scammers posing as the Australian government are targeting residents in Melbourne's northwest with a phone scam that tries to fleece them out of $299.

Police have issued a warning to people in Keilor Downs to beware of the scam, in which a fake government caller tells residents they are owed $6000.

They are then instructed to deposit $299 at the post office via Western Union before their refund can be paid.

The caller also leaves a number and when the victim calls back the scam is continued.