Too good to be true? It probably is.
Police are warning people to be careful about buying goods from social media.
That shiny new item on sale for a bargain may be too good to be true, police say.
The warning comes after two people were arrested for allegedly attempting to sell stolen items.
The arrests follow investigations into mail and parcel thefts in Hobsonville and Greenhithe, West Auckland.
An 18-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man have been charged with burglary, theft of mail and fraud related matters.
A number of stolen items are appearing for sale on social media, a police spokesperson said.
Often these could be brand new items, which are stolen, listed for sale.
"In the past offenders have created fake profiles in order to sell stolen items, before blocking buyers shortly after," police said.
If buying online, you should:
*Check the social media profile of the seller. Is it a new profile or relatively blank? It could be a fake profile.
*Be cautious if the seller insists on meeting at a public place. This could mean the vendor is selling stolen items and doesn't want to be identified.
*Use a reputable online site to sell items.
*Go by the saying, "if it's too good to be true, it probably is."
If you are having parcels delivered, police recommend you require a signature for your delivery and arrange to have your parcel left in a place hidden from the road.
Recipients are encouraged to get their parcels delivered to a work address or if possible, to collect the goods from the courier's depot.
If you see suspicious activity, phone 111 immediately.
Phone 105 to report a burglary.
Have you been the victim of a parcel theft?
Have you seen goods on social media which seemed too good to be true?
If so, can you give some examples?
*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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53.7% Human-centred experience and communication
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14.6% Critical thinking
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29.1% Resilience and adaptability
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2.6% Other - I will share below!
Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
The Post recently shared an opinion piece on the Harbour Crossing and why a more democratic approach might be needed 🚗🚲👟
While most decisions sit within the political arena, many organisations—like NZTA—manage long-term projects that go beyond party lines. Politics can sometimes disrupt progress, and the next Harbour Crossing is a big decision that will affect all Aucklanders.
We’d love your thoughts: Should near-complete, shovel-ready designs be shared with the public, or should the community have a hand in shaping the designs from the start?
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81.3% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
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18.7% No. This would be impossible in practice.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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