Elderly Kiwis hit by phone scam
Hi neighbours. Police have warned of a phone scam which has left victims hundreds of thousands of dollars out of pocket. The scam, carried out by fraudsters claiming to be Spark and/or police, convinces victims to withdraw thousands of dollars from their bank accounts and send it to domestic and international addresses.
Last month, officers intercepted two separate packages in Auckland containing a total of $25,000. The two victims, one of whom was an 84-year-old woman, had their money returned by police.
However, most who fall for the scam won't be so lucky.
Have you - or someone you know - lost money to this scam? Let us know in the comments or send us an email at newstips@stuff.co.nz
[Please type NFP if your comment is not for print.]
Poll: Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕
Auckland has a thriving cafe culture, but with costs climbing, that culture is under pressure. We’ve seen the headlines about recent closures across the country, and it’s a tough pill to swallow along with a $6+ coffee.
We all want our favourite spots to stay open, but we also have to balance our own budgets ⚖️
We want to know: How are you handling the "coffee math" in 2026? Are you still heading to your local for a chat and a caffeine fix, or has the cost of living changed your habits?
Keen to read more about "coffee math"? The Post has you covered.
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40.4% I avoid spending money on coffee
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41.4% I still indulge at my local cafe
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18.2% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?
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76.3% Inside!
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23.7% On top!
💡 A Little Brain Buzz for You⚡
I have two faces, but show you only one.
I once had guests, but now have none.
I’m rarely bloody and seldom blue.
I’m often promised and sometimes new
(Trev from Tamatea kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
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