Fake Police scam: UK national arrested after nearly $300k lost

A Police investigation has turned the heat up on a cold-calling scammer claiming to be an officer.

Police recently shared about the scam in which victims receive a call to their landline phone, by someone pretending to be a Police officer and providing a fake badge number.

In recent weeks, 18 Aucklanders have allegedly been duped out of more than a quarter of a million dollars.

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton, from Auckland City’s Financial Crime Unit, says victims are told a story about needing their assistance with an investigation.

“The scam will always involve this so-called officer asking for financial information or asking you to withdraw cash to be collected as part of an investigation into banks,” he says.

On Monday, real Police officers caught up with the scammer following a foot chase through central Auckland.

Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton says a 25-year-old UK national was taken into custody.

Today, he will face the Auckland District Court on 22 charges of obtains by deception, attempting to obtain by deception and escaping custody.

Police will be opposing his bail.

“We will allege in court that this man, who only arrived in New Zealand in early June, was on his way at the time to collect more cash from a previous victim,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton says.

“Instead, real detectives turned up at the victim’s doorstep to advise him he was about to be scammed out of $20,000 in cash.

“Financial Crime investigators from all three policing districts' fraud teams in Tāmaki Makaurau have been working together to piece together this offending, and this is a great outcome.”

Aucklanders who fell victim of the scam were aged between 56 and 90, with the majority over 80.

“This man’s alleged actions betrayed the good-will of vulnerable and elderly members of our community,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton says.

The offender has victims from right across Auckland, with a total of $297,700 in cash lost.

Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton says enquiries are ongoing, and Police will work to recover as much of the cash as possible.

Please remember:
- Police will never call to ask you for bank details, pin numbers or passwords
- Police do not offer prize money
- Police will not ask you to go to a bank to withdraw money
- If you receive a call out of the blue of a similar nature: challenge the caller to identify themselves, ask for their details.
- Hang up, contact 105 to verify the ID and request the officer to contact you
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

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315 votes

5 hours ago

Assistant Manager - Restaurant

Kiran Reddy from Mount Eden

Date posted: February 20, 2026

Pay: NZ$25.00 - NZ$30.00 per hour

Job description:

Date posted: February 20, 2026

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Job description:

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Assistant Restaurant Managers to help lead operations at our popular Indian restaurant located in the vibrant heart of Milford, Auckland. These full-time, permanent position is ideal for hospitality professionals who thrive in fast-paced environments and take pride in delivering outstanding dining experiences.

About the Role

As an Assistant Restaurant Manager, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the Restaurant Manager in the smooth day-to-day running of the business. You’ll assist in maintaining high standards of food quality, customer service, and operational efficiency while mentoring a diverse and energetic team. You will also contribute to building a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the warmth and authenticity of Indian hospitality.

Key Responsibilities

Support the Restaurant Manager and business owner in planning, coordinating, and monitoring daily restaurant operations to ensure consistent quality and efficiency.
Collaborate with Chefs to plan seasonal and promotional menus, ensuring dishes remain true to traditional Indian flavours while appealing to a broad customer base.
Supervise and actively participate in front-of-house operations, including guest greetings, reservations, service flow, and complaint resolution.
Oversee stock management, cost control, and supplier relationships, ensure accurate ordering, inventory tracking, and waste minimisation within budgetary parameters.
Organise and coordinate special events, functions, and catering services in collaboration with the Restaurant Manager.
Maintain compliance with health, safety, and hygiene standards in accordance with New Zealand food regulations.
Recruit, train, roster, and coach staff members to foster a motivated and customer-focused team culture.
Review customer feedback and identify opportunities for service improvement.
Assist with administrative duties such as cash handling, daily reconciliation, and performance reporting.
Monitor Delivery App side of business, co-ordinate with the service providers to increase the sale.
Skills and Requirements

Minimum 4 year of relevant management or supervisory experience in a busy hospitality environment, or a relevant qualification in Hospitality Management or a related field.
Availability to work 30 – 35 hours per week on a 7-day roster, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays as required.
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and guide staff in a team-oriented environment.
Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities, capable of staying calm under pressure.
Solid understanding of food cost management, stock control, and basic financial reporting.
Genuine passion for Indian cuisine and hospitality, with an eye for detail and customer satisfaction.
A proactive, hands-on attitude and willingness to assist in all areas of service when required.
What We Offer

Competitive pay based on experience and performance.
A friendly, multicultural work environment with opportunities for career development and advancement.
The chance to contribute to restaurant's improvement with loyal customer followings and strong community ties.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be New Zealand Citizens, Permanent Residents, or credentials to seek work visa in New Zealand.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

Free food
Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person