Woman accused of travel scam

Police have identified a woman suspected of fleecing money from Rotorua people by conning them into a non-existent travel package.

Lynne Paul, aged between 20 and 25, is of large build and has shoulder length brown hair that is tied in a pony tail.

Ms Paul has allegedly used a false name of Nestle Tahakauraina.



Last month, two Rotorua women handed over $900 to a woman police believe may have been Ms Paul after they were told that for $300, they would be given a trip to Rarotonga and $4000 spending money.



One of the women - who were bar workers - was so taken with the offer, she gave $600. The woman who made the offer had said she had been successful in business and wanted to give something back to the community.

Constable Peter Bines said at least five more people had complained to police about being conned in a similar scheme by a woman fitting Ms Paul's description.

Mr Bines was stunned so many people were gullible enough to fall for a scam that promised such a high return for a low investment.

"They are victims of their own greed. You have to ask yourself - people do not take $300 off you and then give you goods to the value of more than $7000. It just doesn't happen," Mr Bines said.

He said Ms Paul was originally from Whakatane but had been known to come to Rotorua.

Mr Bines said anyone in contact with Ms Paul should call them as soon as possible.

The woman who had promised the travel package to the bar workers had also claimed to be giving away appliances valued at $300.

The Rarotonga holiday appeared legitimate because the woman had used forms on Galaxy United Travel Rotorua letterhead.

The travel centre's Rotorua manager, Louise Doolan, has said the woman got the forms in May after pretending she wanted a quote for a honeymoon to Rarotonga.

She was angry about what the woman was doing because the travel centre staff had acted in good faith by giving her a quote and she was using it to mislead people.

Mr Bines said the woman used a "sob story" to get people to hand over their money by telling them she was feeling down that no one was believing her offer.

The bar staff who were conned by her told the Daily Post the woman had an answer for all their questions and had paperwork and receipts to back up everything she claimed.

Anyone who comes into contact with her is asked to ring 111 or 0800 TIPOFF.