Wellington Police are warning the public about sophisticated overseas scams currently targeting New Zealanders.
Police are currently investigating a number of serious fraud complaints where New Zealand residents have transferred large sums of money into offshore accounts in sophisticated scams.
The investigations involve an investment scam where victims are called from Hong Kong/China by persons unknown and offered company shares to purchase. These are often short-term investments in well-known companies offering large returns.
Another type of scam being investigated is a romance scam, where the victims have met people through an online dating site and unknowingly transferred stolen funds into offshore bank accounts.
On each occasion the offenders are from overseas and once they receive the first payment of money they continue to pressure the victims to transfer larger sums at short notice.
These scams are sophisticated and can occur over many months.
Constable Ross Barnett of the Wellington Area Criminal Investigations Branch says: “ I would like to remind the public to exercise extreme caution when buying shares from overseas, transferring money on other people’s behalf and giving money to anyone they have not met in person”.
Constable Barnett advises the public that if they receive offers like these they should either hang up or seek expert advice before any money changes hands. If the offer appears too good to be true, it often is.
Other current scams circulating advise people that they have won an overseas lottery and ask the victims for money before they can receive the prize. Some pose as legitimate businesses but syphon the money into different bank accounts and others pretend to be a law enforcement agency and demand money for illegal material that has been downloaded onto the victim's computer. In each of these incidences no money should be paid.
For more advice and reporting on cybercrime contact your local Police Station or www.netsafe.org.nz. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.
ENDS