Yet another NASTY scam going around😡😡
And so it begins (or continues)!
Just to let you know these phone calls are currently going round.
"Good morning, according to our system, you are likely to have been in close proximity to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. This means that you now need to self-isolate for 7 days and take a COVID-19 test."
"OK. Can you tell me who that person was?"
"I'm not able to tell you that. That is confidential information."
"Right. Um... so ...."
"But you do need to be tested within the next 72 hours. So can I just get the best mailing address so that we can send a kit to you?"
"Ok (gives address)"
"Thank you - and I just need to take a payment card so that we can finalize this and send the kit to you."
"Sorry - a payment card? I thought this was all free?"
"No - I'm afraid not. There is a one-off fee of $50 for the kit and test results. Could you read off the long card number for me, please, when you're ready."
"No - that's not right."
"I'm afraid it is. Can you give me the card number please - this is very important, and there are penalties for not complying."
Puts the phone down.
This is how scammers work and vulnerable people will fall for it.
PLEASE BE AWARE AND WARN OTHERS - LET'S STOP THESE VILE PEOPLE FROM DOING THIS!!!!
Denim, but make it one-of-a-kind 💙
Not every pair of jeans makes it to the rack... but that doesn’t mean their story ends there. Our talented volunteer Annie has been transforming damaged denim into handcrafted bags, hats and aprons in our Onehunga SPCA Op Shop ✂️🧵
This latest batch even features her own hand-sewn designs, and customers have been loving them, they sell almost as soon as they hit the shelf!
It’s creativity, sustainability and community all stitched together, helping animals in need 🐾
📍 217 Onehunga Mall, Onehunga
🕘 9am–5pm, 7 days
Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!
Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.
Scam Alert: Bank cold calls
ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.
If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.
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