Whangarei's Age Concern is shocked that an internet scammer is using the organisation to try to rip people off.
An email has been circulating purporting to be from Age Concern Whangarei, coming from the email address info@ageconcernwhg.org.nz offering people an investment opportunity.
But Age Concern Whangarei president Beryl Wilkinson said it's a scam and people should not respond.
The email says:
''Good Day Friend,
"My purpose/intentions for contacting you today is based on a business proposal introduced to me by a work colleague from NL He Asked if i could refer him to friends and contacts interested in investments.
"I know him from way back he has a credible background and excellent in his field. I think it's advice able to venture into it and see the good in it? In the past we've successful pulled out several business plan's.
"It would surely benefit you if you give him your attention, why not get in touch and know his business ideas and strategy's,
"He is contactable through his private email Foppeseeklesconsult@gmail.com''
Ms Wilkinson said she has reported the email to the police.
It was shocking that people were using a charitable organisation for a scam, she said.
Age Concern Whangarei's IT contractor was also looking into the matter.