Scam alert - Nationwide
Real Police officers are warning Kiwis to be vigilant of cold callers posing as Police officers, as a pesky scam rears its head.
In the past year, Police have worked quickly to warn the public as these scam calls emerged.
Waitematā CIB’s acting Detective Senior Sergeant Ben Bergin says, “unsuspecting victims are essentially being called out of the blue under a ruse”.
“The story changes slightly, but it will usually involve some sort of investigation and this ‘officer’ will report having located a valuable item of yours, such as a passport.
“He will need your help or ask for your personal information.
“The caller speaks with an English accent and provides a bogus ID number to the victim.”
If you receive a phone call such as this, Police advise the public to be extremely cautious.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Bergin says previous iterations of this scam has involved scammers asking people to withdraw cash as part of ‘an investigation’ or handing over bank details.
Police made several arrests last year over the scam.
“We strongly advise that you hang up,” he says.
“From time-to-time, Police officers may contact you as part of their genuine duties.
“It can be a bit surprising to receive a call unexpectantly, so stop and think if you get a far-fetched story shared down the telephone line.”
In the past week, Police have received reports from Kiwis on both islands, including: Warkworth, Riverhead, Royal Oak, Ngaruawahia and in the Clutha and Queenstown-Lakes districts.
“Fortunately, at this stage we are not aware of any victims losing money,” acting Detective Senior Sergeant Bergin says.
“Those recipients have done the right thing and ended the call and reported it to the real Police.”
If you have received a similar call, please report this to Police online now or call 105.
𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗭𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 ⤵️
🚔Police will never ask for your bank details, pin numbers or banking log in.
🚔Police do not offer prize money
🚔 Police will never ask you to go to a bank and withdraw your own cash
🚔 Stop and think: If the call seems off, hang up and call 105 to verify the officer’s identity, or request a callback.
Warrant to arrest: Tehau Creeks-McNiff
Police are working to locate Tehau Ernest Creeks-McNiff, who has a warrant for his arrest and is wanted by Police.
Creeks-McNiff, 19, is wanted in relation to a number of vehicle-related offences and is known to frequent the wider Northland region.
It’s believed he is actively avoiding Police.
If you have seen him or have any information that may assist in locating him, please update us online now or call 105.
Please use the reference number 251008/0746.
Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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73.8% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.2% Hmm, maybe?
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9.9% Yes!
Christmas / New Year Hours for JP Service Desks
Please note that the Northland Justices of the Peace Association's Service Desks in the Whangarei urban area will be closed from 12.00 noon on Wednesday 24 December and will reopen again the week commencing Monday 5 January 2026.
The attached document shows our Whangarei Service Desk venues and hours as from 5 January 2026.
Our other Service desks' Christmas / New Year hours are as follows:
Kaiwaka: Closed from 6pm 22 December and reopening 4 pm 5 January 2026;
Dargaville: Open 11 / 18 December for the usual hours at Dargaville Library (note change of venue) and reopening 8 January 2026, back at Whanau Focus;
Mangawhai: Closed from 12 noon 20 December and reopening 10 January 2026 at 10 am;
Ruakaka: Closed from 12 noon 20 December and reopening 10 January 2026 at 10 am.
If you urgently need a JP over this period, please go to www.justiceofthepeace.org.nz... and use the "Find a JP" button to find the closest JP to you.
Best wishes to all for a safe and happy festive season.
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