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.
Latest scams to look out for 👀
Neighbourly hopes to keep you safe by keeping you informed of the latest scams circulating. This week, we are sharing two common text message scams:
NZTA / Waka Kotahi scam:
- The scam is a text message saying it's from New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and it encourages the recipient to pay an overdue road toll by visiting a fake website, threatening to take the matter to court within 15 days if they don’t pay up.
- The aim is to trick people into giving away their personal details or pay them money.
- While it is not the first time toll payments have been utilised by scammers, the threat of court action could see more people fall victim.
- The sender will either be a unknown phone number or unknown email address.
Want to report one of these scams? Do so, on Netsafe
NZ Post scam:
- This scam arrives by test message and says it's from NZ Post.
- The premise is that delivery of your parcel was unsuccessful so in order to rearrange delivery. you must click on a link to give your correct address.
- The aim is to trick people into giving away their personal details or pay them money.
- NZ Post advises people not to click the link, but to report the message to the Department of Internal Affairs by forwarding it to 7726.
Think you may have fallen prey to a scam? Get in touch with Netsafe or contact your bank if it involved your bank details.
Remember, if you didn't expect the message and you are now asked to share personal details or money, then stop contact and seek advice elsewhere.
Feel free to share any below that you've encountered recently. This may help others across the country be aware.
Show us your winter craft or DIY projects
When we are stuck inside, it can be a time to get creative. And we think Neighbourly members are quite a creative bunch. So, let's fill the Neighbourly newsfeed with crafty creations from across the country.
Share a photo below of your craft projects, recent DIY, or your hobby. You may just inspire someone else!
Poll: Have you had a pen pal?
With the invention of the internet and mobile phone communication, pen pals seem to be a thing of the past but it was a common practice at one point.
Did you have a pen pal? Where did you meet them? Share below!
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67.1% Yes
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32.5% No
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0.4% Other - I'll share below!
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