Christchurch earthquake: Profiting phonies a 'disgrace'

Jason Bevington who is accused of posing as a bogus Official in Christchurch. Photo / Supplied

Charity collection scams, fake rescue workers and email rorts - the Christchurch quake has been an opportunity for criminals and fakers.

A West Coast man who went to earthquake-hit Christchurch and joined the urban search and rescue effort there has been remanded in custody for a month after being charged with falsely representing himself as a rescue team member.

Police were concerned that the man's lack of training or credentials could put members of the public and other search and rescue staff at risk, Christchurch Court News website reported.
The man, Jason Henry Bevington, was also charged with possession of offensive weapons after knives, a baton, and an axe were found in his car.

In Auckland police are hunting a pair of women posing as earthquake charity collectors, while there is also a hoax Red Cross email circulating and scams targeting ANZ customers.

Senior Sergeant Hirone Waretini of the Mt Wellington police said two women had targeted disabled people, telling them they were collecting money on behalf of their church.

He described the crime as "disgraceful behaviour of the lowest order".

Mr Waretini said the pair approached a disabled woman in her Onehunga home on Saturday afternoon and asked whether she was alone.

He said the disabled woman gave the pair some money for their quake fund.

The two women left but one of them ran back inside the house and stole a wallet.

The pair are believed to also be behind a similar scam in Onehunga later that day. Mr Waretini said the second victim was also disabled and in her late eighties.

The elderly woman allowed the pair into her unit to use the bathroom and gave them a glass of water.

She told police that when the women left, she noticed one of them had a handbag and she discovered hers was missing.

Mr Waretini said he was personally outraged by the crime which was one of the worst cases of ripping off elderly people that he has seen.

He said anyone wanting to give money to quake victims should give to reputable organisations. They should ask to see identification.

"If someone with a bit of paper comes collecting for Christchurch, turn them around and send them back," Mr Waretini said.

He described the women as Polynesian and in their early 20s. One of the women was of a slim build with red and golden hair. The other was described as fat.

Mr Waretini said anyone with information should call him at Mt Wellington police on 526 7300.

The Red Cross is warning of an email directing people to a "fake" Red Cross site where they are asked for their credit card details.

ANZ Bank spokeswoman Astrid Smeele said an email purporting to collect donations and asking ANZ customers for their banking details is also in circulation.

She said there were also reports of scammers phoning customers asking for donations and banking details.

How to donate

* Red Cross, redcross.org.nz
* Salvation Army, salvationarmy.org.nz
* Government appeal, christchurchquakeappeal.govt.nz

Appeals - Running totals

Red Cross: $6.6m
Salvation Army: $2.4m
ANZ/National: $2.1m (includes staff)
BNZ: $1.2m (to Red Cross)
KiwiBank: $750,000 (to Red Cross)
Westpac: $500,000 (to Govt appeal)
ASB: $1.3m (to Red Cross)
Telecom: $45,000 (from $3 texts)
Vodafone: $522,000 ($5, $3 texts)
GrabOne: $225,000

Govt pledges

China: $750,000
Australia: $5m
Thailand: $100,000
Samoa: $100,000

Private donations

$1 million and over: ANZ/National Bank; BNZ; Westpac; ASB; Owen Glenn; Auckland Council; Contact; Flight Centre; Shell; Fonterra - $1 million (included in Red Cross balance).