Police are aware of an email scam circulating that
references Police and other justice sector
partners.
The email claims authorities have done a
search of the email recipient’s computer and located
explicit illegal material.
The recipient is directed
to reply within 48 hours or a warrant will be issued for
their arrest.
This email is a scam and anyone who
receives it should not reply under any
circumstances.
Although some versions of the email do
not specifically reference money, other similar scams
involve the recipient being issued a ‘fine’ when they
respond.
While the nature and specific details of
scams often varies, it’s important to note that Police and
other government agencies will never contact you out of the
blue and ask for your password, credit card or bank
details.
Police have received several reports of this
scam and enquires are underway.
Anyone who received
this email is asked to forward it directly to the Police
Cybercrime Team: cybercrime@police.govt.nz(link
sends e-mail)
Police recommend taking a cautious
approach to unsolicited emails. Trust your gut instinct – if
it doesn’t feel right, it probably
isn’t.
Information on other scams currently
operating can be found on the Consumer Protection NZ
website: www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/general-help/scamwatch(link
is external)
Consumer Protection NZ, along with
Netsafe, also provides…
