IRD Scam phone calls
Last Monday my wife received a phone call from a man claiming to be from IRD.
When she answered the ring, there was a pause and possibly a click, then a man informing her that "she was of interest to the IRD and would be receiving a summons and have to appear in court" He then gave her a number to ring, should she want to discuss the matter.
She knew it was a hoax or scam, so rang IRD (via the phone book). She navigated the question/answer 'Phone Tree' for a while, until it gave up and produced a real live woman. She explained her problem and was told it's been going on for a couple of weeks.
To the suggestion that IRD should make a statement on TV or 'Social Media', the woman said that's a good idea and she would pass it on.
So, while we wait, this is my attempt. And, of course, as you all know: DON'T RING THE NUMBER GIVEN.
Do you think the purpose of the scam is to give you the run around on a very expensive phone call?
Or do they hope to extract financial details etc, during the run around?
And if it's going well, transfer you to yet another department and introduce you to the real scam?
Then repeat as long as they think reasonable.
After all, it's a good script.
Law abiding senior citizens, will be quite unsettled by the thought of prosecution by the IRD.
And that may be just enough to get them to ring the number.
The Summer Kiwi Quiz is back by popular demand
Grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper between 1 Jan - 28 Jan and participate in the Summer Kiwi Quiz! Test your knowledge, answer the daily New Zealand based questions, and find out how well you know our beautiful country!
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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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10.4% Yes! New Year, New Me
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19.8% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.8% Nah - not for me
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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