Police warn of scam calls claiming to be Immigration NZ

Police have received a number of report from people targeted by the scammers who claim they are calling from Immigration New Zealand and that they are 'wanted' for tax evasion. Photo/File

Police are warning the public to be aware of a phone scam currently taking place throughout New Zealand.

Police have received a number of report from people targeted by the scammers who claim they are calling from Immigration New Zealand and that they are 'wanted' for tax evasion.

They demand payment in the form of Apple iTunes cards with deportation threatened.

Counties Manukau District Prevention Manager Inspector Dave Glossop said the callers were persistent and aggressive.

"They have personal details of the person they are scamming which could make the call sound genuine."

The call may also appear to come from Immigration New Zealand, but it is not.

Calls may also appear to come from an 04 (Wellington) or an 09 (Auckland) prefix.

Members of the public should be aware that New Zealand government agencies such as Immigration or Inland Revenue will never call, email, or text demanding payment or threatening deportation.

Banks will never call and ask for online banking passwords. These agencies will also never use money transfer services such as Western Union.

Indian nationals living in New Zealand are particularly targeted.

Police are aware of several cases where people have purchased between $500 and $5000 worth of iTunes vouchers for the scammers.

"Our advice to anyone who is targeted by this scam is to hang up immediately. Warn others and prevent your friends and family from becoming a victim of this scam," said Mr Glossop

Police advice:
-Hang up immediately.
-If it doesn't seem right, be cautious, double-check details first.
-Do not pay money to anyone you have never met.
- Look after your personal details in the same way you would your wallet and other possessions. Your personal details are also very valuable to scammers, they will use your details to take out loans or run up debts if they can.
-Be aware of common scams. For example, banks, Immigration New Zealand or Inland Revenue never email, call or text customers to ask for money to be sent using money transfer services.

If you receive a request like that, it's a scam.

If you have been targeted by a scam, report it immediately by visiting the Scamwatch website at www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/scams.