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Poll: Is it illegal to have fog lights on when there's no fog?
The answer is yes, it is illegal. And yet in New Zealand it's fairly common to see drivers hitting the road with their fog lights on when it's simply dark.
Those who have sat their written drivers test recently will be in the know, but be honest, did you know it was illegal?
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59.9% Yes, I know it's illegal
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38.9% No, I didn't know that
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1.2% Other - I'll share below
House hold green carpet, excellent condition
We are getting new carpet and need our carpet to go to a new home there is a very large loung and dining area and a hallway and one bedroom and staris.
Fence paint
Anyone got some left over black fence paint? Needed for a small job. Cheers, Tom
Scam Emails Explained: How to Protect Yourself from Phishing and Fraud
A scam email is a malicious email that aims to trick recipients into giving up their sensitive information, such as bank accounts and passwords. This is one of the ways scammers have used to steal money from individuals easily. Learn how to spot scam emails, the most common types, how to avoid … View moreA scam email is a malicious email that aims to trick recipients into giving up their sensitive information, such as bank accounts and passwords. This is one of the ways scammers have used to steal money from individuals easily. Learn how to spot scam emails, the most common types, how to avoid becoming a victim and what to do if you’ve been scammed.
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How to Spot a Scam Email
Here are some ways to recognise a malicious email:
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It came from an infrequent sender.
It has an urgent call to action or an alarming tone.
It has unexpected attachments and suspicious links.
There are multiple spelling errors and bad grammar used in the message.
The email address or domain name are misspelt or altered.
Email greeting is not personalised or uses a generic format like “Dear madam or sir”.
The Most Common Types of Scam Emails
Sextortion or doxing
Business email imposters
Fake contest or raffle prizes
Account update and password reset requests
Fake charity membership from famous personalities
Too good to be true subscription promos and renewal discounts
What Happens When You Respond to a Scam Email
Clicking on a suspicious link may open a phishing website that pretends to be a legitimate online shop or bank to collect your login credentials and other information. On the other hand, downloading an attachment can install malware on your device. Malware like ransomware can encrypt your files and hold them for ransom. Some can install malicious software that records device activities to get your data. Once scammers have your information, they can use it to steal money directly from your bank accounts and credit cards. Or worse, take over your email and other connected accounts and cause more damage.
How to Avoid Becoming a Scam Victim
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Educating yourself about the ins and outs of scam emails is still the most effective way for you to avoid being targeted by these attacks. Until then, follow these recommendations:
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Practice good email hygiene.
Never disclose sensitive or confidential information through email. If in doubt, verify with the person or company first to avoid possible issues.
Think before you click. Avoid opening links and attachments from unknown senders.
Create a strong and unique email account password. Use Trend Micro Password Generator to help you generate better passwords for your accounts.
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TIP: Change your passwords regularly. Trend Micro recommends you update them at least every three months if you are not using a password manager.
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Look at the email address, not just the sender.
Check if the message is sent from a public email domain. Legitimate organisations use a single domain for email addresses. They will not send emails from an address that ends in @gmail.com. If the domain name (what comes after the @ symbol) matches the sender of the email, the message is most likely legitimate.
A message that comes from a different domain is suspicious.
Enhance your device security and privacy.
Turn on the Firewall for your Windows PC.
Update your operating system and web browsers regularly.
Watch out for suspicious links.
You should not click links or download files even if they come from strange sources.
Check for mismatched URLs. Hovering above the link may show a different web address.
Avoid clicking links in emails unless you are sure it is a safe link.
Look for any grammatical errors and spelling mistakes.
Companies will often hire proofreaders and editors to ensure content they send out are free from errors.
Do not be frightened by messages that have an alarming tone.
Doublecheck with the company if you are uncertain about the status of your accounts.
Many of these scam email requests you to act quickly or else it will be too late.
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Look out for generic greetings like “Dear Customer”
Scam emails are designed to be sent to a large amount of people, so they need to be as impersonal as possible.
Check whether the message contains a generic subject and a greeting. This is a sign of a phishing attempt.
Take note of unusual information in the message.
Any mentions of operating systems and software that are not commonly used can often be a sign of a scam or phishing attempt.
Watch out for unsolicited messages.
Organisations do not practice sending confirmation emails unless there have important reasons.
Most of them avoid sending unsolicited messages unless it is for company updates, newsletters, or advertising purposes.
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Why Do I See Scam Emails?
Wondering why you receive these emails? Cybercriminals may have obtained your email address from a data leak, fake website, public sources like social media, or even illegally purchase your data.
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What To Do After Realising You’ve Been Scammed
Change the password of your email and other online accounts.
Contact your financial institutions including your bank and see how they can help you further.
Report the scam to prevent more victims.
New Zealand: NetSafe
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?️ Beds4U SUPER WEEKEND SALE – 3 DAYS ONLY! ?️
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? Message us now to reserve your deal or ask any … View moreSave up to 70% OFF on beds, mattresses & bedroom furniture!
? FREE local delivery included!
?️ This Friday to Sunday only – don’t sleep on these deals (pun intended ?)!
? Stock is limited – first come, first served!
?Beds4U
? Message us now to reserve your deal or ask any questions!
Sleep better, spend less – only at Beds4U! ?✨
Upcycle Magic: DIY Frame Refresh with Resene Paints
Upcycle some old photo frames with Resene Lustacryl and Resene testpots and not only will you win points for your environmental stance, but you can also create original one-offs. Find out how to refresh your photo frames with these easy step by step instructions.
Judy marks 60th wedding anniversary by taking the plunge again
Ryman resident, Judy Harvey likes nothing better than to read a good book, take up a spot of crochet or tend to her pot plants.
But there is another more adventurous side to grandmother-of-six Judy, who admits she is something of an adrenalin junkie with a secret ambition to complete every … View moreRyman resident, Judy Harvey likes nothing better than to read a good book, take up a spot of crochet or tend to her pot plants.
But there is another more adventurous side to grandmother-of-six Judy, who admits she is something of an adrenalin junkie with a secret ambition to complete every bungee jump in New Zealand!
In March, Judy and her husband Howard were on a trip to Queenstown when Judy decided she wanted to do the 43m bungee jump from Kawerau Bridge.
Click read more for the full story.
Retire in comfort and security
Premium care is just meters away from our village. Join our caring community, where passion thrives. Trust Terrace Kennedy House for exceptional care and meaningful connections.
Hooked on Resene: Find the marlin at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show and win!
You’ll find many fun activities and sights at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show but there’s one that might catch your eye with its colourful and captivating design! Mural artist Marc Spijkerbosch has painted a giant marlin mural with Resene paints as part of the Hooked on Resene competition,… View moreYou’ll find many fun activities and sights at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show but there’s one that might catch your eye with its colourful and captivating design! Mural artist Marc Spijkerbosch has painted a giant marlin mural with Resene paints as part of the Hooked on Resene competition, and if you spot it, you could be in to win!
All you have to do is find the Hooked on Resene mural, take your photo with it, share your photo to social media with a hashtag #HookedOnResene #HutchwilcoBoatShow and you have a chance to win with Resene and the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show.
Plus, Resene staff will be by the mural at selected hours each day with giveaways for those having their photo taken!
For more information about the show and what’s on, visit The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show online.
We’ll see you there! Show ends Sunday 18 May.
Poll: Has your Kiwisaver taken a dip?
With the US tariffs ramping up and the stock market taking a hit, many are noticing a change in their Kiwisaver amounts.
If you've had a peek at your Kiwisaver balance since, have you seen it decrease?
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82.3% Yes, it's decreased
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14.5% Nope
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3.2% Other - I'll share below
Inland Revenue taking tougher line on student loan debtors
Inland Revenue is taking a tougher stance on overseas-based student loan defaulters, including border arrests.
More than 70% of 113,733 overseas borrowers are in default, owing $2.3 billion.
Since July, Inland Revenue collected $207 million, a 43% increase, from overseas borrowers.
… View moreInland Revenue is taking a tougher stance on overseas-based student loan defaulters, including border arrests.
More than 70% of 113,733 overseas borrowers are in default, owing $2.3 billion.
Since July, Inland Revenue collected $207 million, a 43% increase, from overseas borrowers.
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The arrest of a person arriving at the border last month over unpaid student loan debt is an example of Inland Revenue “making up for lost time”, one tax expert says.
Inland Revenue said at the end of April there were 113,733 people with student loans believed to be based overseas. More than 70% were in default on their loans, owing $2.3 billion, of which more than $1b is penalties and interest.
For about 24,000 of these overseas-based borrowers, the debt is more than 15 years old.
Inland Revenue has been taking a tougher line, including arrests at the border as a “measure of last resort”.
“New Zealand Customs informs us of any border crossings into New Zealand by overseas-based borrowers and airlines provide the travel information to us. We apply to the district court and the police make the actual arrest,” spokeswoman Jane Elley said.
“Once arrested and taken before the courts, a judge can order the defaulter to make reasonable efforts to arrange repayment to Inland Revenue.”
Since July 1 last year, 89 people had been told they could be arrested at the border. Eleven had taken action by either making acceptable payments, entering repayment plans or applying for hardship provisions.
“One person was arrested at the border last month and they have since paid off their debt.
“There are just over 150 overseas-based borrowers, with a combined default of $15m, who we actively look out for in case they return to New Zealand.”
Elley said Inland Revenue had collected more than $207m in repayments since July last year from student loan borrowers living overseas – a 43% increase on the same period the previous year.
Inland Revenue had an increase in student loan compliance funding in last year’s Budget.
“We’ve contacted more than 12,000 borrowers, 1320 have entered repayment plans, and 960 people have fully repaid their overdue amounts. They have collectively repaid $9m,” Elley said.
She said the department was also looking at borrowers who owned property in New Zealand. There were just over 300, she said.
“During the first six months of our increased compliance work they paid up $1.7m. For defaulters within this group who have refused to engage and resolve their default, further legal enforcement action will be taken, which may include NZ-based bankruptcy or charging orders over their properties.
“There were also 151 [borrowers] with NZ-based investments, and between July and December last year we received payments totalling $84,000 from some of them. Again, there could be legal action ahead, including taking deductions from their investments or bank accounts receiving interest income.”
Robyn Walker, a tax partner at Deloitte, said it was another example of where Inland Revenue had been dormant for a while and was now making up for lost time.
“In the past there has seemingly been very little effort applied to contacting overseas-based student loan defaulters, and ... many of them ... probably were blissfully unaware of mounting repayment liabilities, penalties and interest if Inland Revenue had difficulty contacting them.
“We’ve periodically heard the stories of borrowers being arrested at the border, and it’s actions like that which can really spur people on to get on top of their obligations.
“No one wants to not be able to come back to New Zealand for a special event or family emergency because they’re concerned that their student loan will catch up with them.”
Ryman Village Open Days
Come and experience the warmth of our Ryman village communities, we'd love to show you around. Discover our lifestyle and care options, tour our show homes and explore our premium amenities.
Plus, when you sign up for an independent apartment or townhouse before 30 June 2025 you … View moreCome and experience the warmth of our Ryman village communities, we'd love to show you around. Discover our lifestyle and care options, tour our show homes and explore our premium amenities.
Plus, when you sign up for an independent apartment or townhouse before 30 June 2025 you won't pay your base weekly fee for a whole year.*
*Participating villages only, Ts and Cs apply.
Lost wallet
I lost my Oroton red leather wallet on Wednesday April 30 in Ponsonby between Vermont street and Three Lamps around midday.
In it was a $50 note and all my cards including bank cards (now cancelled) drivers incense, gold card AT hop card, AA card, New World card library card etc.
If you found it… View moreI lost my Oroton red leather wallet on Wednesday April 30 in Ponsonby between Vermont street and Three Lamps around midday.
In it was a $50 note and all my cards including bank cards (now cancelled) drivers incense, gold card AT hop card, AA card, New World card library card etc.
If you found it please keep the money but return the car wallet to me asap.
Contact me on robin3.fish@gmail.com or txt 0211342797
K
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