Demand for money

Monique from Remuera

Hi Neighbours

Ive recently had major spinal surgery and haven't been able to do my lawns and gardens for months. I should've got a company in, but I was too unwell in pain etc to worry about it. Now that Im 75% recovered I thought to look on here for someone that can help me get my grounds in order.

I saw an old post where a fellow 'neighbour' was looking for gardening help and a member from here who lives in Orakei had replied offering his services, and stating he is financially struggling etc.

Naturally, I thought to message him (through Neighbourly) seeing he's a 'neighbour' and in my community, and I always try and help my community. He messaged back with his mobile number. I text him and he text back. In short, I explained that the initial lawn and weed pulling is probably about 4 hours work, give or take.

Well, WOW, what an incredibly strange and concerning text exchange! It was ALL about him! How he has it tough etc. NO mention or regard or thought for other people going through hardships like myself. Some struggling people accept help but are kind and humble about it, and they in turn help others who are struggling.

He demanded and insisted that I pre pay for 4 hours gardening work by way of transfer money into his bank account, then he will contact me and arrange a day and time! He said he needed the money urgently for his cat/s. He text his bank account number and told me to transfer X amount. I was shocked!

I explained that I dont do that, I dont know him, Ive never met him etc, so no. He lauched into a personal atack against me stating that I was "insulting him by not accepting his terms and conditions (to pre pay) when he has "glowing recommendations" on Neighbourly, so how dare I say that I wont pre pay him!!! I looked on Neighbourly and I couldnt see ANY recommendations, so I had NO idea what he was going on about 🤨 I just saw a post where he offered himself as a lawnmower/gardening to another Neighbourly member citing that he needed the money because he's struggling, thats all I saw.

I was completely confused seeing I had not insulted him. I just politely declined his terms and conditions. I was getting the feeling something wasnt quite right, so I told him not to worry, let's forget it, goodbye.

He then continued to message me claiming that he is honest etc. I said to him ok, well, either come over to my house so I can meet him or I will shout him a tea/coffee at Eastridge, and I might reconsider his terms and conditions if Ive at least met the person. Im in HR and a career recruiter so Im a very good judge of character.

Well, WOW, he launched into deeper personal attacks and started threatening me. This is after my asking him politely if he wanted some paid work and being friendly offering to shout him a cuppa.

Please message me for details if you want to avoid this individual. I can send you copies of the text exchanges and you can read for yourself in order to protect yourself.

This is a reminder to NEVER transfer money to people you've never met and don't know, especially under duress or threats.

Also, NEVER pre pay for any labour or services, unless of course your project is VERY material heavy, then some subcontractors may ask for a 10-25% deposit if a lot of custom made cabinetry is required, very expensive light fittings, or the like. Obviously this excludes Grab One, Groupon etc vouchers, gift cards etc. because you are pre paying by choice because you're getting a good deal.

Take care.