Scam or misunderstanding?
I had a bit of a scare today. I called Vodafone because my Gmail was no longer showing up on my iphone mail app since I had changed the password. The Vodafone rep could not help me so they told me to call Google for help and gave me an Auckland phone number. I called and the heavily accented man asked me for similar information as Vodafone did (birth date, address, phone number, full name and type of phone) then told me because it was a free gmail account that I was using that I would have to pay $99 to have them correct the problem! This didn't sound right. I consulted my partner and he said it sounded unnecessary and could be a scam. I discontinued the conversation with Google man.
It was a bit of a worry, like a reverse version of those annoying dinner time calls on the landline that insist you have a computer problem, only this was a referral from a Vodafone rep. I spent the next hour checking in with my bank (due to personal info shared), police and netsafe. I also called back Vodafone to report what had happened. In the end they stood by their rep and said it was legitimate, however this time the Vodafone tech said to contact Apple for support. I am sharing this because I would like to know if anyone else has had this issue, not getting their email to come up on their mail App on their iPhone and how they resolved the issue?
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.1% Yes! New Year, New Me
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19.5% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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70.5% Nah - not for me
The Summer Kiwi Quiz is back by popular demand
Grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper between 1 Jan - 28 Jan and participate in the Summer Kiwi Quiz! Test your knowledge, answer the daily New Zealand based questions, and find out how well you know our beautiful country!
Each correct answer will get you one entry into the draw to WIN 1 of 5 Ooni Karu 2 Portable Pizza Oven bundles, valued at $1024! Each bundle includes: an Ooni Karu 2 Multi-Fuel Portable Pizza Oven, Ooni Karu 2 Carry Cover, Ooni 12" Perforated Peel, Ooni Digital Infrared Thermometer and an Ooni Cookbook: Cooking with Ooni. The more answers you enter correctly, the higher your chance of winning. For more information and to submit your answers, click here
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