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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 … View morePolice 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
ADULT VIEWING ONLY. Shameful behaviour! They are in full view for anyone travelling along Hokio Sands Rd. Don't enlarge for a more detailed view.
Yes, we love our backyards and think our town is pretty cool but what is there to do?
Imagine you were writing a list for visitors/tourists and want to show them the best that your town can offer in winter. What would you suggest?
Yes, we love our backyards and think our town is pretty cool but what is there to do?
Imagine you were writing a list for visitors/tourists and want to show them the best that your town can offer in winter. What would you suggest?
Moving into a serviced apartment at Ryman means there’s less time spent cooking and cleaning, and more time for family and friends.
Feel safe and secure at a Ryman village, where beautiful gardens provide the backdrop for a host of on-site amenities.
Tui & Tauhou heading in opposite directions. Please enlarge for a much better view.
The Paraparaumu Croquet Club invite you to their “ Have A Go Day” on Sunday the 1st September at 1pm. All welcome, mallets to share, help to get started. Scaife Drive off Mazengarb Road..
Levin Mobile, next to War Memorial, Queen Street, Levin.
Click here to book an appointment or call us at 0800 270 200.
Pernod Ricard Winemakers New Zealand Ltd is recalling all batches and all dates of Skrewball brand Peanut Butter Whiskey Flavoured Liqueur, due to the presence of an undeclared allergen (sesame).
If you have an allergy to sesame and have purchased this product, do not consume. If you have … View morePernod Ricard Winemakers New Zealand Ltd is recalling all batches and all dates of Skrewball brand Peanut Butter Whiskey Flavoured Liqueur, due to the presence of an undeclared allergen (sesame).
If you have an allergy to sesame and have purchased this product, do not consume. If you have consumed this product and have any concerns about your health, seek medical advice.
READ MORE: www.mpi.govt.nz...
We're looking for delicious rhubarb recipes to feature in NZ Gardener. Send your family's favourite ways to enjoy this crop to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by August 31, 2024. Every published recipe wins a copy of the November issue of NZ Gardener.
Get 20% off Resene’s huge range of 10L paints, wood stains, primers and sealers.
Plus buy 1 60-80 mL testpot get 1 free on testpots. Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and get started on your decorating project.
Choose from the widest range of Eco Choice approved paints all made … View moreGet 20% off Resene’s huge range of 10L paints, wood stains, primers and sealers.
Plus buy 1 60-80 mL testpot get 1 free on testpots. Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and get started on your decorating project.
Choose from the widest range of Eco Choice approved paints all made right here in New Zealand.
Hi there
Having a garage clean out
Husqvarna weed eater
Chain saw
Hedge trimmer
All excellent condition
All commercial grade
Scrub and grass blade… View moreHi there
Having a garage clean out
Husqvarna weed eater
Chain saw
Hedge trimmer
All excellent condition
All commercial grade
Scrub and grass blade
Call Paul
02102275950
Waikanae
Very low hours starts perfectly
$495.00
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