Police are warning the community of a sophisticated overseas scam targeting international students in New Zealand, which just last month has almost cost someone more than $600,000.
Auckland City Police are currently investigating three reports of a ‘Chinese officials’ scam, which predominantly targets New Zealand-based Chinese students, however there are fears this could be wider-ranging.
Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton says it is imperative our communities are made aware of this scam before it is too late.
“We are extremely concerned there are vulnerable individuals being scammed right now.
“Given the large sums of money being transferred, we are asking people to be extremely vigilant with their communications as to not fall victim to this scam.”
Sadly, for two people, this warning is redundant, as Police are investigating their massive losses of $230,000 and $330,000 respectively.
“Our enquiries to date suggest those responsible for this scam are based offshore, which poses a huge challenge for NZ Police to identify who they are and exactly where they are.
“We implore those who may be targeted to be wary of who is contacting them and where they are sending money,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton.
Similar versions of this particular scam have been reported and investigated in New Zealand previously, and a recent re-emergence of the scam has now been identified.
The scam involves an international student in New Zealand being contacted by someone, the scammer, posting as officials from overseas Government that are alleging that they or their family are suspected of peripheral involvement in serious crimes that are being investigated offshore.
The scammers will always ask for the remittance of large sums of money to offshore bank accounts.
Police note the communication is largely via online messaging apps such as WeChat or WhatsApp.
