Source: New Zealand Police
An alleged text scammer attempting to splash out on luxury goods is instead awaiting her next court date in custody.
Auckland City CIB have laid seven fraud charges and are continuing to investigate the visitor’s actions after she aroused suspicion at high-end retailers.
Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton says Police were called to Newmarket on 10 August.
“A woman had tried unsuccessfully using multiple phones to make a pay wave purchase in excess of $6,000.
“Police were called after the woman then left the shop and attempted to enter another high-end retailer.
“Police were contacted by security at the time and the woman was arrested by our staff on arrival.”
Police enquiries have established this woman is allegedly involved in a text scam ring which has made another resurgence recently.
“It will be alleged that unsuspecting Kiwi’s credit card details were used by ghost tapping with several smart phones,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton says.
“We’d like to acknowledge the vigilance of the retail staff, who have prevented any further spending on a victim’s dime.”
A 25-year-old Chinese national has appeared in the Auckland District Court and was remanded in custody until her next appearance on 25 August.
Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton says Police have laid seven charges of obtains by deception, and further charges are likely.
- Be wary of ‘text reminders’:
Text scams have been the subject of Kiwis’ ire in recent months.
Many report receiving reminders from ‘NZ Police’ or ‘NZTA’ reminding them to pay their unpaid fines or tolls.
Police urge extreme caution with these sorts of messages, especially when they ask you to click strange links or reply to messages.
“I know these texts can catch some people off guard and leaving you feeling flustered,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton says.
“Pause, and think, ‘do I know where this message is coming from?’
“It’s almost certainly scammers trying to steal your credit card or banking details.”
There will likely be several red flags: an unknown international number, an unusual weblink and often poor grammar and spelling mistakes.
Never click these links.
Police remind the public that we do not send these sorts of text messages.
You can find some further information on what to look out for on the Police and NZTA websites.
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
