Make your family aware: Scam posing as officers returns
A phone scam is re-emerging with cold calling swindlers claiming to be Police officers.
New Zealand Police are advising the public to be vigilant, after a handful of reports have been made in recent days. Unfortunately, at least two elderly Aucklanders have been conned out of tens of thousands of dollars.
Waitematā CIB’s Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting says scammers are cold calling, mainly on landlines, and claim to be a Police officer.“They will also provide a fake ID or badge number to make their call seem legitimate,” he says.“This person will carry on and provide a reason for their call: either they are investigating fake bank notes, or that your credit card has been cloned.
“As part of this scam, they will ask you to withdraw money from a nearby bank to be collected or ask you to provide further financial or banking information to aid their investigation.”
Be aware: this is a scam call.
Police are investigating two reports this week, in south Auckland and the North Shore, where two people have fallen victim to the scam. “Both victims withdrew cash from a bank and handed this over to someone who arrived at their door to collect it under the fake cover story,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says.“These victims have had their good-will and trust trodden on by these scammers.”
Investigation staff have ensured there is support available for the victims. Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says: “Scammers have no ethics whatsoever and will take any opportunity to try and con you.“These scams take many forms, and the offenders trick people under a variety of guises or storylines.”
There are occasions where legitimate Police officers will contact people as part of their duties, he says.
Police are asking the community to be aware and take the opportunity to spread the word amongst friends and family members. “We are particularly keen to ensure elder family members are aware of what is happening,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says. “If anyone receives a call of this nature, hang up.
“If you have had the unfortunate position of being a victim to this scam and have not reported this, we encourage you to report this to Police.”
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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Serious assault - petrol station
Police investigating a serious assault at a service station on Racecourse Road on Sunday 10 November are seeking assistance from the public.
At about 1.45am a group of car enthusiasts were gathered at the petrol station along with two members of the public.
Detective Sergeant Luke Vaughan, Canterbury CIB, says the two members of the public were then seriously assaulted on the forecourt area and onto Racecourse Road.
“This was an unprovoked assault by multiple offenders, which left both victims with injuries.
“We understand the fear and concern events like this inflict on the community and we will continue to hold the people responsible to account.
“Police have no tolerance for this type of crime or intimidation in our communities.”
Detective Sergeant Vaughan says Police are continuing to make enquiries into the matter and would like to hear from anyone who has any information or footage in relation to this incident.
If anyone witnessed the incident or has any information which may assist, we urge them to contact Police via www.police.govt.nz... or by calling 105 and quote file number 241110/0807.
Alternatively, you can report any information anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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5.1% Second half of November
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43.1% 1st December
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17% A week before Christmas
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33.3% Whenever you wish
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
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