Scams in New Plymouth
Taranaki Police are reminding people to be vigilant and for families to warn elderly relatives to be on guard for scam phone calls, after two recent incidents resulting in large financial losses.
In New Plymouth within the past month, two instances have been reported where scammers have called elderly residents posing as staff from legitimate large businesses operating in New Zealand.
On both occasions, the scammer kept the victims on the phone for long periods of time and gained access to their bank accounts.
One victim lost almost $24,000, while the other lost more than $350,000.
Detective Jason Wright of the Taranaki CIB says these losses are gutting to the elderly victims and their loved ones.
“Especially at this time of year where many people are already feeling financial pressure, these are devastating losses.
“We hope sharing their story will help put others on guard for this insidious activity where scammers are preying on older people.”
Police urge people to have conversations with vulnerable or elderly family members, to help ensure they are aware of the tactics often used by scammers and don’t become victims of this offending.
“We know those from older generations are typically a little less tech-savvy and generally more trusting, which is exactly what scammers rely on.”
Police have the following advice:
📞 If someone calls you claiming to be from a company, hang up the phone and call the company back via their publicly listed phone number.
📞 If you think you are being scammed just hang up immediately – you’re not going to offend anyone.
💻 One click is all it takes for these offenders to have access to your information.
🖥️ If you have unfortunately opened a link that has installed remote access to your computer, make sure the device is shut down, or disconnected from the internet and seek assistance to ensure it is safely removed.
⚠️ If a warning screen appears on your computer when trying to log into your bank website, turn your computer off and call your bank.
Anyone who believes they have been the victim of a scam should notify their bank immediately, and make a report to Police through our 105 service.
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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73.2% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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15.7% Hmm, maybe?
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11% Yes!
Council Meeting for older adults & people with disabilities
The mayor and a slim majority of the newly elected NPDC councillors are keen to see the, “Age and Accessibility Working Party”, a long-standing Council committee, scrapped.
This is not to save the minimal cost of having such a committee. But simply put; it means these councillors believe that older adults and all those with disabilities in our community do not warrant being recognised, respected or treated as people whose voice is important, to them.
On Thursday 18 December (that is, this coming Thursday) at 10am, in the Council Debating Chamber, the full council will have an opportunity to vote, “to Re-establish an Age and accessibility Working Party”.
But we need your help to get it passed. We need you at the meeting to show your support for this committee. This committee is important for the voice of the older person or people who have accessibility or challenges in our community, to be heard.
We have many in examples of what happens when council fails to listen to people with disabilities, resulting in remedial work costing tens of thousands of dollars.
Let’s support those councillors who do support the reinstatement of this committee.
Please consider joining the myriad of organisations supporting older adults and those with disabilities.
If you cannot come to the Council chambers, email the Mayor and inform him what you think. His email is; max.brough@npdc.govt.org.nz.
I hope that we will see you there.
There is parking for just $1 per hour at the YMCA opposite the Council in Liardet Street.
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?
(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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