Bank scammers, who appear to be from Australia, are now operating in New Zealand, according to the Commerce Commission.“There is a similar scam operating in Australia [and] it appears the details are so similar that it's probably the same group,&nbs
Bank scammers, who appear to be from Australia, are now operating in New Zealand, according to the Commerce Commission.
“There is a similar scam operating in Australia [and] it appears the details are so similar that it’s probably the same group, said Greg Allan, the Commerce Commission enforcement manager, Wellington.
“So we are coordinating the information that we have with Australia.”
In the new scam, which was reported to have started three days ago, people are being phoned and told they are eligible for a refund for overcharges on their credit card, but to receive the payment they first have to pay the scammers a fee.
The Commission has received three reports in the past three days from victims of the scam. While every case appears to be slightly different, sufficient similarity suggests it is the work of the same organisation.
“At this stage no one has actually taken in by it that we are aware of,” said Mr Allan.
In each case the complainant was told they are eligible for a $3,000 refund of overcharges on their credit card. In one case the complainant was told this was on behalf of the Commerce Commission; in another, the scammer said they were from the New Zealand Banking Association.
Mr Allan said in each case the complainants were asked to pay a fee via Western Union or the Post Office ranging from $100 to $300 to receive the $3,000 payment. Contact details the callers gave were completely fictitious.
The power to stop scams of this type is in the hands of the public, said Mr Allan.
“The most effective method is to simply hang up. Do not give your bank account details and do not pay any money. If the caller appears to already have your credit card or bank account details, or you have provided them, contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately.”
People who are affected by this scam are advised to contact the Commerce Commission on 0800 94 3600 or via the website complaint form at www.comcom.govt.nz, or email contact@comcom.govt.nz
While the Commission does not investigate scams, it can coordinate information and pass it to other agencies.
Sign up to get the latest stories and insights delivered to your inbox – free, every day.
