An alleged text scammer attempting to splash out on luxury goods is instead awaiting her next court date in custody, police say.
Auckland City Police CIB have laid seven fraud charges and are continuing to investigate the visitor’s actions after she aroused suspicion at “high-end retailers”, they say.
Detective senior sergeant Craig Bolton says police were called to Newmarket on August 10.
“A woman had tried unsuccessfully using multiple phones to make a pay-wave purchase in excess of $6000.
“Police were called after the woman then left the shop and attempted to enter another high-end retailer.
“Police were contacted by security at the time and the woman was arrested by our staff on arrival.”
Bolton says police enquiries have established the woman is allegedly involved in a text scam ring which has made another resurgence recently.
“It will be alleged that unsuspecting Kiwi’s credit card details were used by ghost tapping with several smart phones.
“We’d like to acknowledge the vigilance of the retail staff, who have prevented any further spending on a victim’s dime.”
A 25-year-old Chinese national has appeared in the Auckland District Court and is remanded in custody until her next appearance on August 25.
Bolton says police have laid seven charges of obtains by deception, and further charges are likely.
“Be wary of ‘text reminders’. Text scams have been the subject of Kiwis’ ire in recent months.
“Many report receiving reminders from ‘NZ Police’ or ‘NZTA’ reminding them to pay their unpaid fines or tolls.”
Police urge extreme caution with “these sorts of messages, especially when they ask you to click strange links or reply to messages”.
“I know these texts can catch some people off guard and leaving you feeling flustered,” Bolton says.
“Pause, and think, ‘do I know where this message is coming from?’
“It’s almost certainly scammers trying to steal your credit card or banking details.”
There will likely be several red flags: an unknown international number, an unusual weblink and often poor grammar and spelling mistakes, police say.
“Never click these links.”
Police say they’re reminding the public that “we do not send these sorts of text messages”.
“You can find some further information on what to look out for on the Police and NZTA websites.”
