Refugee to train with Phoenix Academy after fleeing Taliban
A young refugee will train among New Zealand’s best up-and-coming footballers just months after fleeing war-torn Afghanistan.
Fahima Yousofi’s tutors from the English Teaching College in Lower Hutt put in a call to the Wellington Phoenix after she revealed her talent at a school picnic. From February, Yousofi will begin training with the club’s academy team.
Yousofi, who played football in Afghanistan to a high level, is pleased she will be playing football again. She arrived in New Zealand in September – around the time the air force was making mercy flights to and from the Afghan capital – with her family. Members of her extended family had already settled in New Zealand.
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Warnings about scams
This Fraud Awareness Week, we’re reminding everyone to stay sharp and look out for the warning signs of scams to stop them before they start.
Here’s what to watch out for:
🔍 Unrealistic offers or promises of easy money that are too good to be true
🔍 Pressure tactics: Scammers may rush or threaten you to act immediately.
🔍 Requests for personal info: Be cautious if you’re asked for bank details, passwords, or sensitive information.
🔍 Unusual payment methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
🔍 Unverified contacts: Emails, calls, or messages from unknown or suspicious sources.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Stop and think before sharing personal details or making payments.
✅ Don't click on any links until you know that it is safe.
✅ Verify the source: Contact the organisation directly using official channels.
✅ If something’s not right, it's OK to hang up, walk away, ignore it and move on.
If you wish to report a scam, contact Police on 105 or report it online via 105.police.govt.nz/use-105.