Police warn of 0900 auction scam

Police are urging Northland businesses to look out for a scam that promises loot from police and Government auctions - but delivers only a hefty phone bill.

Detective Dean Walford said faxes advertising Government and police disposal sales had been sent to one Whangarei business recently. The faxes list goods including vehicles, mobile phones, jewellery, televisions, tools, computers and office equipment. Interested parties are asked to phone an 0900 number for a copy of the guide, at $6.30 a minute.

"People have rung, and ended up getting no answer. At $6.30 a minute you'd clock up a reasonable bill if you were patient enough," Mr Walford said.