|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Counties Manukau Police are urging residents to remain vigilant following reports of scammers targeting trusting people.
Detective senior sergeant Simon Taylor, of Counties Manukau Police CIB, says they’re aware that some members of the community, particularly older people, are becoming victims of a “leave your bank cards in your letterbox” scheme.
“In this scam, offenders contact victims by phone while pretending to be investigating fraudulent use of their bank card.
“They convince the victim that their bank account has been compromised and instruct them to place their bank card in their letterbox so it can be ‘collected for investigation’.”
This is a scam, says Taylor.
“Offenders then later attend the property, retrieve the cards, and use them to withdraw cash or make purchases.”
He says police have seen similar scams used previously across New Zealand, where offenders impersonate authorities to gain victims’ trust and access to their finances.
“These scams can result in significant financial loss and are particularly distressing for victims.”
Police are advising people to:
- Never follow instructions to leave bank cards or personal information in letterboxes or outside homes
- Do not provide pin numbers, passwords or banking details to anyone over the phone
- If unsure, hang up and contact your bank using the official phone number, or the phone number recorded on the back of the bank card
- If someone contacts you claiming to be police, you can verify this by calling 105
“Police are asking family members, neighbours and caregivers to check in with elderly or vulnerable people and ensure they are aware of this scam,” Taylor says. “By doing this, you could potentially stop someone you love from becoming a victim.”
Police say if people or someone they know has been targeted or fallen victim, report it to them via 105 or online at 105.police.govt.nz, and contact banks immediately.
