Scam
nz police Safer Communities Together
"Arrest made in scam targeting elderly victims"
To be attributed to Detective Sergeant Colin Baillie:
Christchurch Police have this morning arrested a 22-year-old man in relation to a telephone scam that has been targeting elderly people across New Zealand.
The man will be appearing in Christchurch District Court this afternoon on five charges of causing loss by deception, as well as perverting the course of justice and breach of bail.
The charges follow a police investigation into the scam, whereby offenders make contact with elderly people over the phone, claiming to be from power companies and banks and threatening to disconnect their power if payment is not made immediately.
Enquiries into the scam are continuing, and Police still have a large number of people to speak to in relation to this offending.
We would like to hear from anyone who believes they may have been a victim of this scam and has not yet spoken to Police; and to anyone else who might have information pertinent to the investigation.
Please contact Christchurch Police on 03 363 7400.
Police would also like to reiterate that banks will never ask for account details over the phone.
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from your bank and they ask for such details, hang up immediately.
Other advice for people who receive calls of this nature includes:
• Seek validation of who the caller actually is.
Always ask for a full name and the company or agency details.
• Validate the phone number of the caller and ask that they call you from a landline if they are using a mobile phone.
• Ignore calls from unknown mobile numbers.
• Don’t share your personal details until you are convinced the caller is legitimate.
• If you are threatened, simply hang up.
• Don’t trust anyone who calls you and asks for financial information such as your account details and password – again simply hang up, call them on their published contact 0800 number or arrange a meeting at the relevant agency branch.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.
Offers, Events & Inspiration
Ready to explore the world with ease?
Wendy Wu Tours specialises in fully guided holidays across Asia and beyond, taking care of flights, accommodation, touring and expert local guides so you can simply relax and enjoy the journey. From Japan’s cherry blossoms and China’s Great Wall to the vibrant cultures of Vietnam and India, every itinerary is designed to immerse you in authentic experiences.
Departing from New Zealand, you’ll travel with like-minded adventurers and enjoy seamless, stress-free travel. If you’ve been dreaming about your next big trip, now’s the perfect time to make it happen.
🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…
I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?
Do you think you know the answer?
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.
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.
Loading…
