Source: New Zealand Police
Whangārei Police are urging the public to be alert to fraudsters targeting trusting members of the community for their money.
An investigation is in the early stages after an elderly couple had tens of thousands of dollars taken from accounts over the weekend.
Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, Whangārei Area Investigations Manager, says the couple were contacted about replacing their banking cards.
“The fraudster has managed to convince them into providing pin numbers and leaving their eftpos cards in the mailbox for collection,” he says.
“Sadly, over the weekend tens of thousands of dollars has been taken out of their accounts.”
Police received a report on Monday, which is now under investigation.
Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer is calling on the community to be extremely vigilant.
“It’s appalling behaviour where trusting members of the community have been deceived to the point their hard-earned money is being taken.
“The last thing we need right now is other people in the community falling victim to this offending.
“I’m asking families and neighbours to check in on each other, please be aware that this happening.”
Police advise anyone who is contacted in these circumstances by potential scammers to not engage.
Hang up and never hand over personal or banking details, Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says.
“The authorities and banks will never call you asking to hand over banking details.
“If you’re contacted, hang up immediately and instead contact the bank yourself.”
Police would also like to hear from anyone who may have been contacted in these circumstances, or who has handed over bank cards in these circumstances.
You can make a report online or call 105.
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
