Police warn beware of online scammers
Queenstown Police are warning people buying goods from Facebook buy and sell sites and purchasing crypto currencies to be very vigilant after locals have been taken for a ride by scammers.
Detective Tim Risstrom says Queenstown Trading and Facebook Marketplace are often targeted, with all demographics being ripped off by these schemes.
“We’re all quite trusting around here, people are asked to send through a bank transfer but when they turn up to collect the item at an arranged spot, it’s not there,” Risstrom says. “It’s common.”
Scammers often target those who are more inexperienced with social media and the internet world. “It still happens on Trademe too.”
The biggest issues locally have been on Queenstown Trading, he says. “Be vigilant about who you’re talking to online and protect your identity.”
People have been asked to send their personal details, including bank account numbers and photos of drivers’ licences for identification. “Once they are out there it’s too late and those details can be used for further identity fraud,” he says.
Risstrom says it’s also common for people to buy items from a fake Facebook account and then discover that the item doesn’t exist. “Do your best to ensure it’s a real account. If it doesn’t feel right, then don’t send the money.”
Try to physically touch and look at the product before you buy. “Make sure it’s a real thing.”
Be savvy with your money, he says.
Police are also warning about crypto currency scams with several local cases of crypto purchasers being scammed for thousands of dollars.
“These are usually people trying to look for new ways to invest their money, but these bank transfers can be intercepted by scammers anywhere in the world,” Risstrom says. “There are a lot of these scammers overseas and the problem is it’s very hard for Police to do anything in New Zealand once that occurs.”
He says it’s a huge problem with Kiwis losing millions of dollars. Risstrom says there are definitely safe ways to purchase crypto currencies, like Bitcoin, through legitimate companies and financial advisors. “Just don’t go straight to Google, take your time and ensure you’ve completed your due diligence.”
Online buying tips:
Meet in a safe, secure place with others for any exchanges
Don’t invite people to your home to pick up items.
Be weary of people saying they’ll ‘flick it in the post’.
Make sure you have physically checked an item before handing over money
Never send your personal details to people you don’t know online
If you think you are the victim of a scam, or are suspicious about an online profile, visit https://www.police.govt.nz/105
For more information about cybercrime and the internet, visit
www.police.govt.nz/advice-services/cybercrime-and-internet
