A number of Northlanders have been scammed in the past two months, costing them friends, relationships and sleepless nights.
Details of the individuals scammed, and the scams, are not being revealed at this stage, but they have prompted one Northland community to take action with a Scam Savvy seminar next month to help people protect themselves from scammers.
The elderly and the lonely are most susceptible, with both men and women being victimised by malicious online dating schemes. The cons involve frequent calls during the night, which leave them vulnerable to demands, manipulation and isolation, said Julie Moebus of Kaitaia Age Concern, who is organising the seminar.
In some scams, victims are told that friends are interfering in the relationship and are encouraged to transfer money into offshore accounts under the guise of financial assistance.
Scam Savvy will cover all types of fraud, including credit card, telephone, internet, email and postal.