Beware of scam calls: cybersecurity alert for New Zealand residents
In recent weeks, there have been alarming reports of scam phone calls targeting residents across several police districts. These calls involve individuals impersonating police officers, attempting to deceive victims into handing over their financial information. Tasman District Prevention Manager, Inspector Mark Rowbottom, is urging everyone in the Tasman District to stay vigilant and aware of this scam.
The Scam Tactics
The scammer, posing as a police officer from a specific department, will claim that you have been a victim of fraud or a scam. They will then try to extract further financial details from you. In some cases, people have been instructed to go to their bank and withdraw money as “evidence” of the supposed scam.
Important: No legitimate police officer will ever ask you to hand over money for any reason.
How to Verify a Police Officer’s Identity
If you receive such a call and want to verify the officer’s authenticity, ask for their full details. Then, hang up and contact the police on 105 to request verification. This step is crucial to ensure you are not falling victim to a scam.
Protecting Vulnerable Community Members
Older members of our community are particularly targeted by these scammers. Police urge anyone with older, vulnerable relatives or friends to inform them about this fraudulent activity. Since early August, there have been several reports of this scam, leading to arrests in Auckland and Wellington. Currently, three individuals are before the courts for scamming vulnerable people in these districts. One of these, a 26-year-old UK national, has been convicted of scamming over $330,000 from victims.
Stay Vigilant
Ongoing investigations into these scams mean that vigilance is essential. Remember, New Zealand Police will never contact you seeking your banking details, card numbers, PIN, or passwords. While legitimate police officers may contact you as part of their duties, they will never ask you to withdraw money.
Key Points to Remember
Police will never ask for your bank card details, PIN, or passwords over the phone, email, or text.
Trust your instincts: If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is.
Verify the officer’s details: Ask for their information, hang up, and call 105 to confirm.
Police do not offer prize money.
If you find yourself a victim of a scam, report it to the police immediately. Take this opportunity to educate yourself on scam awareness by visiting the Netsafe website: Netsafe.
Stay safe and informed, and help protect our community from these malicious scams.
