Beware of the tiny homes scam
Hi neighbours,
Keep your eyes peeled for the latest scam to be fooling Kiwis. Scammers are taking advantage of people looking for a home to call their own, creating fake competitions and giveaways to win a tiny home.
A recent scam asked people to sign up on their page which went through a process of multiple surveys so the scammers can collect more information about the Facebook user in the hope of collecting personal details, including bank accounts. To read all about the scam, click here.
A fraud education manager says:
- People are helping the scammers by liking and sharing the post as it spreads the virus
- As soon as you like the Facebook post it gives scammers access to information
- If unsure whether it's a scam or not, look for terms and conditions - often these scams do not have them
- If you think you've been made a victim of an online scam, contact Netsafe and report it immediately. You can access Netsafe's page here.
Tutu
“I’m from Tamaki Makaurau. I have a good job with Riverside market. I am security, and we need this area nice and clean. We don't want dirty things everywhere, like rubbish.
I like Christchurch because there's lots of entertainment, lots of people, all loving, give me aroha, tautoko mai. Kia kaha, be strong.”
I've been a hustler for 18 years now. I'm a lover, I'm a hustler. I'm in here to entertain Christchurch, all around Christchurch. I'm a busker and I'm an entertainer.”
- Tutu
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Warnings about scams
This Fraud Awareness Week, we’re reminding everyone to stay sharp and look out for the warning signs of scams to stop them before they start.
Here’s what to watch out for:
🔍 Unrealistic offers or promises of easy money that are too good to be true
🔍 Pressure tactics: Scammers may rush or threaten you to act immediately.
🔍 Requests for personal info: Be cautious if you’re asked for bank details, passwords, or sensitive information.
🔍 Unusual payment methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
🔍 Unverified contacts: Emails, calls, or messages from unknown or suspicious sources.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Stop and think before sharing personal details or making payments.
✅ Don't click on any links until you know that it is safe.
✅ Verify the source: Contact the organisation directly using official channels.
✅ If something’s not right, it's OK to hang up, walk away, ignore it and move on.
If you wish to report a scam, contact Police on 105 or report it online via 105.police.govt.nz/use-105.
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