Scammers posing as Police officers
Be aware, pesky phone scammers’ latest move may be posing as Police officers seeking your financial details.
New Zealand Police are aware of reports emerging this month where Kiwis have been contacted on the phone by someone claiming to be an officer. The officer will claim to be from a particular department, tell you that you have been a victim of fraud or scam, and begin to try and obtain further financial information from you. This is a scam.
Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton, from Auckland City’s Financial Crime Unit, says there have been at least a dozen reports made to Police, and these scam calls are largely being made to landlines. “While Police do not have accurate numbers of how many of these scam calls have been received, it is important that the public are aware,” he says. “Police will make some enquiries into these calls, but our experience has shown that often phone-based scammers will be operating from overseas. “We appreciate the vigilance of those who have contact Police so far, as this will help us to make others in the community aware.”
Unfortunately, scams can take many different forms and target victims on different platforms, Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton says. “Scammers are opportunistic and thrive off your trust and good-will. If you receive a call of this nature, do not hand over any personal details.”
New Zealand Police will never contact people seeking their banking details, card numbers, pin numbers or passwords. There are instances where legitimate Police officers will contact you as part of their duties. Police ask that the public remain vigilant.
𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿:
➡️Police will never ask for details about your bank cards, pin numbers or passwords over the phone.
➡️Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, or is too good to be true, it probably is.
➡️If you are uncertain, ask for the officer’s details. Hang up, contact 105 and request the officer to contact you.
➡️Police aren’t in the business of offering prize money.
If you are in the unfortunate position of being a victim of a scam, please report the matter to Police.
Take the chance to upskill yourself on scam awareness, check for further information on the NetSafe website.
𝗘𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗺:
Police are also aware of an email scam that has re-emerged, that claims to be authorities from Police and other justice sector partners. This scam has been subject of previous advisories. We continue to advise people to be extremely cautious when receiving unsolicited emails. Do not reply an the email of this nature under any circumstances.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.6% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.9% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.5% ... It is complicated
Poll: Do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? ☔⚠️
As reported in the Press, the same low-pressure system that lashed the North Island over the weekend is now making its way south, bringing heavy rain and strong winds with it. It’s a soggy start to the week for many of us.
With more wild weather on the cards, we’re curious: do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? Or are you more of a “grab the torches and hope for the best” household?
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16.7% Yes - we like to be prepared
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66.7% Nah
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16.7% This is on my to-do list!
Please Share This Story From Otautahi Newsroom Far and Wide To Help These Men
Otautahi Newsroom
Concerns are being raised about the safety, care standards, and duty of care at a Comcare-supported residential flat in Bishopdale, Christchurch, where vulnerable older men with significant mental health conditions are living.
An advocate speaking on behalf of four residents , says the men are experiencing ongoing intimidation, alleged abuse, and serious safety risks within the flat. The residents are described as having limited capacity to advocate for themselves and have asked for help to bring the situation to public attention.
The flat houses five male residents, all aged over 60 and all considered vulnerable adults with psychiatric illnesses. It is alleged that one resident, I (64), has displayed escalating aggressive and intimidating behaviour over a period of approximately five years. According to reports from residents and those advocating for them, this behaviour has included verbal threats, alleged physical incidents, repeated boundary violations, and conduct that has left others living in fear.
Reported incidents include police attendance following an alleged knife-related event and theft of personal property, an incident in which one resident was allegedly restrained in his bed, repeated verbal intimidation, and unauthorised entry into other residents’ bedrooms. There are also claims that staff members have been assaulted or felt unsafe attending the property, with some reportedly conducting visits from outside the flat due to safety concerns.
Advocates say the ongoing situation has had a severe impact on the mental and physical wellbeing of the affected residents. All four men report feeling unsafe in their own home, with some considering leaving the property despite believing they should not be forced out of housing they were promised would be safe and stable.
One resident, D, who has both mental health needs and a heart condition, is said to have taken on an informal role trying to protect others. Advocates argue this is inappropriate and unsafe, stating that residents should not be expected to manage high-risk situations without professional support. They also claim that Comcare has breached contractual commitments to provide safe, peaceful, and stable housing.
Further concerns have been raised about the suitability of the property itself. The Bishopdale house was originally a four-bedroom home with one bathroom but was altered to accommodate a fifth resident by converting a sunroom into a bedroom. Critics argue that having one toilet for five men over the age of 63 is inadequate and compromises dignity, health, and wellbeing.
There are also claims from a family member of a former resident that care provided to her terminally ill brother at the property was insufficient, adding to broader concerns about oversight and duty of care.
Despite multiple complaints reportedly being lodged with agencies, advocates say they have seen no meaningful action. They are now calling for urgent intervention, including:
• Immediate rehousing of resident I into a 24-hour staffed care facility, dementia care, or appropriate hospital setting
• An urgent, independent investigation into Comcare’s management of the Bishopdale property
• Assessment of whether elder abuse or neglect is occurring
• A full review of duty of care, risk management, and safeguarding practices
• Immediate measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the remaining residents
Advocates warn that without urgent action, there is a serious risk of harm. They say the men deserve to live without fear and with appropriate care that protects their dignity, mental health, and quality of life.
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