We always like to keep you up-to-date on the latest scams so that you can stay fraud aware, so here’s one to keep an ear out for.
Yesterday Police issued a warning to beware of calls from people claiming to work for ‘Spark’. In recent weeks they’ve received a number of reports from people who have been scammed out of significant amounts of money following these calls. The callers will say they need to speak to you regarding issues with your ‘Spark’ account or computer. Our Investigators here in BNZ’s Financial Crime Management Centre have also been inundated with calls from customers who have experienced these types of calls.
Police reported that in the Tasman area, three elderly residents have been scammed out of a total of $120,000. Enquiries into the scams have discovered that in some of these cases the funds have been deposited into Australian bank accounts.
Just like BNZ, ‘Spark’ will never call customers out of the blue to ask for personal details like bank account, credit card, or internet banking details. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from ‘Spark’ who asks for your personal information you should immediately end the call. Your personal details are very valuable to offenders. They will use your information to take out loans or run up debts if they can.
If you believe you may be on the receiving end of one of these calls, Police advise the following:
• Hang up immediately
• If it doesn't seem right, be cautious, double-check details first
• Look after your personal details in the same way you would your wallet and other possessions.
And be aware of common scams:
• Banks, Immigration New Zealand or Inland Revenue will never email, call or text you to ask for money to be sent using money transfer services
• Don’t trust anyone who calls you and asks for your financial related information, such as your account details and password.
