Consumer Affairsis warning people of scammers who are posing as 'Murder Agents' and are targeting New Zealanders with disturbing emails.
The recipient is told that somebody close to them has hired a contract killer to settle a betrayal.
The alleged killer claims to be watching the person's every move.
They demand payment in return for sparing the person's life, and instruct them not to tell anybody.
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Scamwatch Manager Jarrod Rendle says: "This is a particularly abhorent scam, designed to prey on people's fear and emotions. It is, of course, absolute nonsense. If you receive this email, please just press delete."