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News
Scam alert
Monday, 19 March 2007
• Howick and Pakuranga Times
IF a deal’s too good to be true then it’s probably a scam.
That’s the message Consumer Affairs is sending during March, which is fraud awareness month.
The campaign sees the Government working to help Kiwis become aware of how to protect their money, phone, computer and their personal identity against scammers.
“It’s estimated more than 20,000 New Zealanders a year get caught up in a scam and invest time or money in it,” says consumer affairs minister Judith Tizard.
“Unfortunately scams are seldom reported as most people are too embarrassed, making it even harder to catch the scammers. But scams are illegal and should be reported like every other crime.”
Consumer Affairs estimates nearly half of the country’s adults have been exposed to mass marketed scams, spread especially via email or the Internet.
In a worst-case scenario a New Zealand mother and son lost $200,000 to a Nigerian scam last year.
The pair says it was very believable and they even developed a rapport with the scammers exchanging information about their families.
“The rule of thumb is that if it’s too good to be true then it’s probably a scam,” Ms Tizard says.
“You can't win a lottery you didn’t enter and banks don’t ask for your PIN by phone or email. Be vigilant – don’t do online banking at Internet cafes.”
She says UK research has exploded the myth that the elderly are the targets of scams.
“People of all ages and backgrounds are being taken in by these increasingly sophisticated scams.
“Please use the opportunity and the advice available during this month-long campaign to improve your awareness and increase your vigilance; if you do get burnt, then please report it.”
THE Ministry of Consumer Affairs and the Commerce Commission have prepared the following advice on protecting yourself from scams:
Protect your money
• Don't send money or give credit card details to someone you don't know or trust.
• Never respond to an email asking for your PINs or passwords.
• Seek independent advice before investing.
• Avoid online banking at internet cafes.
• Check bank statements.
Protect your phones
• Don't give your number to just anyone.
• Be cautious about unexpected calls and text messages.
Protect your computer
• Keep your software protection up to date.
• Don't respond to unsolicited emails.
• Don't open attachments unless it's from a trusted source.
Protect your identity
• Don't share personal information (eg PINs, maiden names).
• Destroy old bills, statements or expired credit or identity cards.
• Check your credit report yearly.
Report scams
• If you get burnt tell the Police, find out more or forward any you receive to Scamwatch -
www.scamwatch.org.nz
, or contact your nearest Citizen's Advice Bureau.
