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69 days ago

A warning about 'Task Scams' in Wellington

The Team from Wellington District Police

Police are aware of reports emerging in the Wellington police district where people have lost money though a “Task Scam”. A Task Scam is a form of online fraud where individuals are deceived into completing tasks under the belief they are in employment.

Sergeant Rowen Steenkamp, Wellington Police says “Most online scams request money or personal information, Task Scams are more deceptive, requiring you to complete activities that seem easy or attainable. These include such things as, writing a specified number of online reviews for consumables like luxury travel packages, household products and cosmetics.

Sergeant Steenkamp says at least eight cases have been reported to date in Wellington including some involving significant financial losses, which includes two cases where the victims have lost in excess of $100k (137,000 and 105,000).

“In the recent cost of living crisis, we’ve seen an increase in people having second jobs or side hustles. As a result, what is known as a Task Scam has emerged as a particularly deceptive threat.

“These scams imitate legitimate earning opportunities, with the ability to seemingly work around your lifestyle when and how you please.”

Wellington-based man *Peter is speaking out to help prevent others falling into the same trap. *Peter lost nearly $22,000 to a Task Scam last month. He was lured in by the chance of some easy money and regrets his decision.

*Peter says it’s the first time he’d ever been scammed and never expected he would fall for it.

“I have lost a significant amount of my life savings, I had to stop ‘working the task’ because I had no money left.

“But then my (fake) “supervisor” encouraged me to borrow money from a friend, or to apply for a loan from a bank, or online loan website.

“They build trust, they monitor your progress like any other good manager would. They offer advice, before requesting more and more financial investments to enable you to move through to reviewing higher value items, it’s very convincing.”

“I urge people to be very careful online and avoid any schemes which offer easy cash,” he says.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐓𝐚𝐬𝐤 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐦?
Scammers are using various online platforms, from reputable job websites to social media channels, to unsolicited approaches on chat platforms.

“The scam operates on the allure of easy money. These offers typically promise high returns for simple tasks, instantly sounding appealing. In recent cases we have seen people offered $200-500 for 30 online product reviews, with higher-end items such a cruises claiming to provide even higher rates of commission,” says Sergeant Steenkamp.

The victim is assigned a manager who contacts them via Whatsapp, Telegram or Messenger using spoofing websites.

Spoofing is where someone disguises an email address, phone number, or website URL to appear to be from a local, trusted source.

The most enticing piece of these scams is the lure of easy money. Victims are promised hefty commissions upon completion of tasks. However, in most cases, they pay large sums of money to completing ‘training’, or to enable them to progress to the next task.

These are more often paid into crypto wallets or offshore bank accounts and the money is never seen again,” says Sergeant Steenkamp.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐬:
The consequence of falling for a task scam is often huge financial loss. Recently, we have seen losses ranging from $7000 - $120,000. Globally, victims are thought to have lost more than $185 million.

In addition, the emotional and psychological distress, the feelings of betrayal and deception can have a lasting effect.

Remember this advice to help keep yourself safe:

• Confirm job offers: Thoroughly research the company and confirm the job exists, especially if you are approached via social media or chat platforms.

• The saying rings true: If it seems too good to be true, it usually is. Be cautious of earning high money for little effort.

• Ask other opinions: Ask your friends or whanau their thoughts on the job offers, a second set of eyes my see something you don’t.

If you are in the unfortunate position of being a victim of a scam, please report the matter to Police.

Take the chance to upskill yourself on scam awareness, check for further information on the Netsafe website: netsafe.org.nz...

*Peter is not the victim’s real name

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Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?

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In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!

The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.

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Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
  • 89.4% Yes, it's fair
    89.4% Complete
  • 9.6% No, it's unreasonable
    9.6% Complete
  • 1% Other - I'll share below
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1437 votes
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Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What do the mummies, zombies, vampires, goblins and witches all have in common?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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1 day ago

Trick or treating?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Are you taking some trick or treaters out this Halloween?

Some Neighbourly members who are getting into the spooky spirit have shared their address so you can visit:
🎃 3/25A Ward St Trentham Upper Hutt - 4pm-8pm
🎃 7 Curacao Place, Grenada Village - 6.30pm-8pm

Public events:
Halloween Kids Twilight Walk - Zealandia
Tawa Firefighters Halloween Night

Remember to supervise your children well, only knock on doors that are obviously taking part and have a wonderful time 🧛

If you missed the chance to be on the list, feel free to share about your event or decorated home in the comments.

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