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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
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.
Our kaffir lime has sprung into Spring with very many limes, and leaves of course.
If anyone likes Asian cooking and would like some, let me know, Carol
Palmer Crescent in Hetetaunga is a street with problems manufactured by the UHCC.
A few years ago the road was resealed to such a poor degree that the surface was worse after the resealing than prior. Some improvement was eventually made - but only to part of the road.
Now there was a decision… View morePalmer Crescent in Hetetaunga is a street with problems manufactured by the UHCC.
A few years ago the road was resealed to such a poor degree that the surface was worse after the resealing than prior. Some improvement was eventually made - but only to part of the road.
Now there was a decision to place road humps along the road in an effort to slow traffic - not that I have ever witnessed an issue of undue speed by traffic nor any overload of traffic despite a school sited at the northern entrance to the road.
Not just one or two humps have been laid but five.
It's just patently ridiculous and if Palmer Crescent needs all these humps to slow traffic to 15-20kph, what's to stop road humps emerging in a majority of streets in Upper Hutt apart from financial considerations. Luckily the UHCC has put up rates to pay for the Palmer Cres project.
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.
Andrew Hardwick Hypnotherapy
Online consultations from Upper Hutt to the world
In-person consultation available in Petone
At Andrew Hardwick Hypnotherapy we believe confidence is a transferable skill, so if you're confident in something, we can help you be confident at anything!
… View moreAndrew Hardwick Hypnotherapy
Online consultations from Upper Hutt to the world
In-person consultation available in Petone
At Andrew Hardwick Hypnotherapy we believe confidence is a transferable skill, so if you're confident in something, we can help you be confident at anything!
Services include Hypnotherapy, NLP, Tapping, Time-Line Therapy, Tai Chi and more
For confidence call Andrew Hardwick Hypnotherapy
on ++64 0211532508 NOW
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.
We are still feeling the pinch and the weekly shop is no different. So we are after your cost-saving tips please, neighbours!
What’s the best way you've found to cut down on your grocery bill? Share below (and hear tips from others!)
The Brewtown, Upper Hutt new year eve party is heading for its fourth or fifth year and has been a great success apart from toilet issues.
Good bands, good food, great craft beer, great venue, good atmosphere and little or no need for police action.
But from $40 per person in past years for … View moreThe Brewtown, Upper Hutt new year eve party is heading for its fourth or fifth year and has been a great success apart from toilet issues.
Good bands, good food, great craft beer, great venue, good atmosphere and little or no need for police action.
But from $40 per person in past years for non-VIP entry fee it has jumped to $119 right now and shortly will incrrase for "late bookers" to $139.
Nothing much has changed in band/entertainment quality to warrant such a huge increase. And from being under cover fir the first 3-4 years the show is now fully outdoors which subjects revellers to any conditions.
Two years ago the weather was coldish and breezy.
To prevent further youth crime, the government has proposed stays at military-style camps for up to 12 months for young offenders. Do you think the camps will be successful in rehabilitating youth who commit crimes?
Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
Enjoy water-loving plants in any part of your garden with this easy-to-build water planter finished in Resene Waterborne Woodsman Pickled Bluewood. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
When we are stuck inside, it can be a time to get creative. And we think Neighbourly members are quite a creative bunch. So, let's fill the Neighbourly newsfeed with crafty creations from across the country.
Share a photo below of your craft projects, recent DIY, or your hobby. You may … View moreWhen we are stuck inside, it can be a time to get creative. And we think Neighbourly members are quite a creative bunch. So, let's fill the Neighbourly newsfeed with crafty creations from across the country.
Share a photo below of your craft projects, recent DIY, or your hobby. You may just inspire someone else!
Win one of three $5,000 grants to support your community’s love of dance!
Whether it’s pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet – if you’re encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we want to hear … View moreWin one of three $5,000 grants to support your community’s love of dance!
Whether it’s pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet – if you’re encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we want to hear from you!
Know someone who could use our support? Click read more to apply!
Kia ora neighbours - If you saw 2 young men riding scooters very early this morning from the top of Mt Climie, you were lucky enough to witness the start of an epic day of fund-raising. They are using push scooters to travel 50km from Mt Climie to Mt Victoria today raising funds for the Cancer … View moreKia ora neighbours - If you saw 2 young men riding scooters very early this morning from the top of Mt Climie, you were lucky enough to witness the start of an epic day of fund-raising. They are using push scooters to travel 50km from Mt Climie to Mt Victoria today raising funds for the Cancer Society NZ.
Inspired by the cancer journey of a teacher at their secondary school they have set themselves an ambitious target to raise $50,000 for the Cancer Society NZ today.
Please donate anything you can to this fundraising effort. All funds raised go straight to Cancer Society NZ. Donate here - www.youcanforcancer.org.nz...
Follow them on their epic journey today - www.instagram.com...
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