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Police say victims have lost thousands of dollars each after paying for electronics that did not arrive.
The companies are listed on Facebook and falsely claim that they have stores in the lower part of the South Island. They often pretend to sell cell phones, laptops, and tablets.
People are required to transfer money to a New Zealand bank account and the goods are never received.
Auckland police investigations discovered the scam is running on the high seas in Southeast Asia.
The scammer will contact someone in New Zealand through Facebook Messenger and offer them a “job”.
Victims are asked to deposit money into this person’s New Zealand bank account, and then the person in New Zealand is instructed to transfer the funds to the offshore bank account.
Detective Sergeant Major Nikki Latimer said he warned people not to accept a job online for an unknown company and that people should verify that any job offer via Facebook or Messenger is legitimate.
“If the business claims to be based in New Zealand, Google the business and contact them through the information on their website. If the contact details are not legitimate or do not exist, then it is likely a scam.”
“Similarly, if the company offering you a job online is based abroad or proposes that your bank account be used to process payments, simply avoid it.”
Anyone who buys electronic products from online companies on Facebook should also ask more questions to avoid being scammed.
“These companies may appear legitimate on the surface, but will generally avoid listing contact phone numbers, so there is no one to speak to,” says Detective Sergeant Major Latimer.
People who think they have lost money in a scam should contact their bank, then call the 105 police line or report it to the police at 105.police.govt.nz
Anyone who knowingly participates in a fraudulent scam is at risk of prosecution.
