Fraud Awareness Week
This Fraud Awareness Week we are encouraging Kiwis to take a moment to stop and think ‘is this for real?’ when contacted unexpectedly and asked for personal info.
New Zealand Police's Financial Intelligence Unit estimates New Zealanders lose $20-30 million annually to scams.
HOW TO AVOID A SCAM:
+ A genuine bank or organisation will never contact you to ask for your PIN, password or to move money to another account.
+ Never click on a link in an unexpected email or text – you could be giving access to your personal and financial details.
+ Always question uninvited approaches in case it is a scam. Instead, contact the company directly using a known email or phone number.
+ Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic – just because someone knows your basic details (name and address, or mother’s maiden name) it doesn’t mean they are genuine.
+ Don’t be rushed into making a decision or financial transaction on the spot – a genuine bank or trusted organisation would never do this.
+ Listen to your instincts – if something feels wrong then it generally is.
If you believe you are the victim of a scam you can contact Police and report the matter via 105.
For more info on how you can prevent yourself, family and friends from being scammed, visit:
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
At just 8 years old, Nina-Mae already has Wellington Council listening! 👏
She’s speaking up for safer roads for her and her classmates—fuelled by a desire for independence and maybe even a budding interest in politics.
So here’s the big question: how do we create space for every voice in our community to be heard?
It’s great that the Council is paying attention 👂 but what small actions can we all take to keep our whole community involved and engaged?
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