SCAM ALERTS
Lots of scams at the moment. Please be aware of these 3.
1) Received text message yesterday "You failed to pay the toll last month. To avoid more serious punishment .....
2) Husband received phone call yesterday, man with Indian accent, hard to understand some of what he said, lots of chatter in backround suggesting he was calling from a call centre. He said he was calling from "The Crime Investigation Centre". When asked for his service number and organisation he was with, he couldn't say. Husband hung up then reported to N.Z. Police who will investigate.
3) Received email supposedly from N.Z. Police WG: SUMMONS TO APPEAR warning and goes on about 'engaging in unethical online activities (of a sexual nature)/IT Investigations', there is a PDF attached and when opened this corresponded exactly with what I found when looking on the N.Z. Police site for reporting scams. Have attached the N.Z. Police site page showing this scam.
If you have received scam email 3) the real N.Z. Police ask that:-
'Anyone who received this email is asked to forward it directly to the Police Cybercrime Team: cybercrime@police.govt.nz'
Police recommend taking a cautious approach to unsolicited emails. Trust your gut instinct - if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Information on other scams currently operating can be found on the Consumer Protection NZ website: www.consumerprotection.govt.nz... is external)
Consumer Protection NZ, along with Netsafe, also provides helpful advice about keeping safe online. If in doubt about someone calling you hang up. If receiving something online do not email back.
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Wanted: Information on stolen art piece
Police are asking the public to keep an eye out for a unique art piece stolen during a burglary in west Auckland.
The Waitematā West Tactical Crime Unit is investigating a burglary in the Piha area on 6 December 2025.
Detective Sergeant Anna Freestone says scrap metal and tools were amongst items stolen, but also an valuable artwork called ‘Infinite Sea’.
“The round artwork is made up of glass, a mirror, led lighting and PVC,” she says.
“It’s a distinctive piece of art and we’re asking anyone in the public who has information on its whereabouts to get in touch.
It may be that this artwork has been offered up or advertised for sale, and we need to hear from you.”
If you have information to assist Police, you can provide information online now or call 105 using the reference number 251208/4801.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
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