Two men have been arrested and charged after allegedly defrauding a vulnerable person out of a significant amount of money in the Bay of Plenty.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Van Kempen says the victim was manipulated into withdrawing cash from his bank account and handing it over as part of an elaborate scam.
“Scammers are highly convincing and often prey on people when they are vulnerable or under pressure,” Detective Senior Sergeant Van Kempen says.
Following a Police investigation, those allegedly responsible were identified and a targeted operation was carried out.
The operation resulted in two men being arrested and charged with obtaining by deception. They are due to appear in Rotorua District Court today and potentially face further charges.
“This was a thorough investigation that enabled us to identify those we believe were responsible and hold them to account,” Detective Senior Sergeant Van Kempen says.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Police are using the case as a reminder that scams can happen to anyone.
“Unfortunately, scams are increasingly common and they are not always obvious. No one is immune to being targeted,” Detective Senior Sergeant Van Kempen says.
“These offenders are often skilled at creating a sense of urgency or trust to persuade people to hand over money, personal information or banking details.”
Police urge people to remain cautious when receiving unexpected phone calls, emails, text messages, or requests for money.
“If something doesn’t feel right, stop and verify the request through official channels before taking any action. Taking a moment to check could save you from significant financial loss.”
Police have prevention advice available for common types of scams and encourage the public to familiarise themselves with the warning signs: Scams and fraud | New Zealand Police
Anyone who believes they have been the victim of a scam, including providing banking details or suffering a financial loss, should gather as much information as possible and report it to Police online at 105.police.govt.nz or by calling 105. Victims should also contact their bank immediately, as they may be able to assist with recovering funds.
