Sareta Fraser of KiwiBank’s 15-strong Fraud Investigation team
These words - Phishing, Smishing and Vishing* are not in my Oxford Dictionary (yet) but we had better take note of them.
Sareta Fraser of KiwiBank’s 15-strong Fraud Investigation team gave us a Zoom talk this week about the perils facing the whole community from online, telephone, and door-to-door scams.
The rascally scammers are professional, clever, and very patient. They aim to profit by stealing your money or your information, or both. They are constantly experimenting and changing their methods.
72% of the adult population has been targeted by scammers. In 2018 $33m was reportedly lost to scammers, but the real figure is probably much higher. Anyone can become a victim, and scamming is underreported because victims often feel shame or embarrassment.
The scammers use cunning tactics to lure their victims: they promise riches, build credibility in various ways, claim that others are buying in, and stress the urgency of decisions: “don’t miss out on this golden opportunity”.
Common Scams - These can include the selling of worthless investment products, the promise of romance, invading your computer privacy to redirect your savings, preying on your generosity, the selling of non-existent products online, and identity theft.
Red Flags - Approaches that come out of the blue are suspect, as are poor grammar or spelling in emails, requests to pay untraceable, and overpayment claims. Beware of online surveys and approaches via social media. Offers which seem ‘too good to be true’ always are.
Education and awareness are the antidotes to scamming. Knowledge is power, and prevention is the key. Victims shouldn’t blame themselves and should seek help from banks, Netsafe, or the police.
It’s a funny world when we can be robbed by a geek in Kazakhstan, or wherever, operating out of their bedroom. Be vigilant!
For more information and advice you can go here.
*Scams by email, text, or telephone, respectively.
Poll: Is dumping an issue in your neighbourhood?
There's nothing worse than strolling around the streets in your neighbourhood and seeing dumped rubbish.
Have you noticed this in your area? What could we do to combat this around the country?
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43.2% Yes, I've seen some illegal dumping
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56.1% No, our neighbourhood is pretty good
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0.6% Other - I'll share below
Neighbourly challenge: Who can solve the daily riddle?
I have a crown but am not a king.
I'm prickly on the outside but sweet within.
What am I?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Changing the conversation around dementia
Reducing stigma starts with the words we use, and shifting the way we talk about dementia is a powerful step forward. This World Alzheimer’s Month, Ryman is highlighting the importance of reducing the discrimination caused by stigma surrounding people living with dementia.
Caroline Bartle, Ryman’s Dementia Care and Innovations Lead, says that using appropriate language when referring to people with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia can foster a more inclusive society. This not only benefits those experiencing cognitive decline but also their families and the wider community.
Click read more for the full article.
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