Police are urging people to be aware of a string of phone scam incidents.
The scam involves an individual impersonating a police officer with a male voice and telling the victim their family member has been arrested.
The caller then demands the victim pays the officer a significant amount of cash in order for the release of their family member in custody.
In some incidents, the victim has been asked to buy a significant amount of iTunes vouchers instead of cash.
Detective Sergeant Bridget Doell from the Auckland City Police Financial Crime Unit says the scammers have been targeting members of the Indian community.
She says the scams are “quite complex” and on at least one occasion, the scammer has known personal information about the victim.
“Police, or any other government agency, will never demand money or any other form of payment over the phone.
“In no instance would a call like this be genuine.”
Anyone who receives a suspicious call should not engage with the caller and hang up immediately.
Anyone who thinks they may have been scammed should report the incident as soon as possible to the nearest police station and warn family and friends so others in the community are also aware.
Detective Sergeant Doell says Police are making enquiries into these incidents and working to identify those involved in the scam.
“These scammers are preying on members of our community who may not be completely familiar with New Zealand law and our Police practices.
“We want to prevent anyone else from falling victim to this malicious scam.”
If you have any information that may help or if you have received a similar phone call, contact the Auckland City Police Financial Crime Unit on (09) 302 6400 or your nearest police station.
