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Police say their officers in Auckland and Dunedin have made an arrest over an alleged romance scam that has spanned nearly two decades.
During the 18-year period, an “unsuspecting” Dunedin man has lost more than $500,000, police say.
Dunedin Police executed a search warrant at an Auckland property today, February 11, assisted by the Auckland City Police’s financial crime unit.
A 44-year-old Ellerslie woman was arrested and faces a representative charge of obtains by deception, police say.
“Police will allege in court that this scam has run for a period of 18 years, beginning online in 2006,” says acting detective senior sergeant Ali Ramsay, from the financial crime unit.
“The offender in this case has allegedly obtained $525,537 through this elaborate scam.”
The woman is expected to appear in the Auckland District Court on February 17.
Ramsay says being able to put an alleged offender before the court is “a good outcome”.
“Our colleagues in Dunedin have been investigating this case, and we’re glad to have assisted in this result.
“Romance scams are usually perpetrated by offshore offenders, making prosecutions difficult for law enforcement.
“At the very heart of this are victims whose good nature is taken advantage of, causing emotional and financial stress.”
Police say they’re unable to comment further about specifics in the case as matters are now before the court.
They’re also reminding the public to “be extremely cautious when meeting new people online or through dating applications”.
“Netsafe has more information on romance scams and what to look out for on its website,” police say.
