Beware of Spam by telephone call
I thought I am very aware of Spam but this one today seemed real enough to start with. The person on the phone (landline) asked for my name; correct. He gave me his name "Alan" and said he was from Spark "following up on a complaint about internet. Correct again; we have an outstanding case with Spark. According to him he was calling to help me fix it as the fault has been identified to be with the modem. Did I have 3 minutes as that was all it takes - yes. He gave instructions on what to do, but after a while became suspicious and told him I'd ring Spark to verify. He gave me full name and his ID number and also became angry with me. I hung up, called Spark and sure enough it's a big scam! Where did this crook get the info from? or was it just coincidence? Spark say the latter.
Be aware of: English name but foreign accents; background noise; ask for the case number if they say they're calling to fix something; feel free to verify the caller's legitimacy with Spark; and report the number the person was calling from. (I had the number on call minder but it was a false one)
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.3% Yes! New Year, New Me
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20.2% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.4% Nah - not for me
Witnesses sought in relation to mass disorder on K-Road Auckland
Police are appealing to the public for any footage they may have of the mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland in the early hours of Sunday 28 December.
Emergency services were called to the disorder around 3.41am where it is estimated around over 50 people were present.
A Police investigation is underway after there were three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the mass disorder.
A portal has been set up to allow the public to upload any footage they have of the disorder and the serious assaults.
The portal is https://dahr.nc3.govt.nz/
Police have arrested one person but are asking for help to identify and locate others involved.
• Around 4:15am there was a serious assault outside the Crown Bar on Queen Street.
A 33-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4647.
• Around 4:30am there was another serious assault on a Cobden Steet just off Karangahape Road.
A 27-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4462.
• Around 5am there was third serious assault at the Mobil Service Station on the corner or Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road.
A 46-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He has been bailed to appear in court again on 16 January 2026.
The Police file number is 251228/4774.
Police would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed or filmed the assaults.
Witnesses can call Police directly on 105.
Please quote one of the above file numbers.
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
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