Aro Valley, Wellington

122 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 … View more
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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122 days ago

Addictive Eaters Anonymous

The Team from Addictive Eaters Anonymous - Wellington

Recovery from Obesity

Are you always on diets but unable to stick to them? Are you preoccupied with your weight? Do you constantly think about food? Can’t figure out how to stop eating? Is your weight causing you health problems? Are you considering or have you had weight loss surgery? Find … View more
Recovery from Obesity

Are you always on diets but unable to stick to them? Are you preoccupied with your weight? Do you constantly think about food? Can’t figure out how to stop eating? Is your weight causing you health problems? Are you considering or have you had weight loss surgery? Find out how AEA members are finding relief from addictive eating, maintaining a healthy body weight and living happy, useful lives.

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123 days ago

What's our best winter activities?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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?

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P
123 days ago

Baerskin Waterproof Softshell Jacket - Small

Paul from Brooklyn

Selling this jacket as it's no longer required.

It's pretty much brand new, only owned it for about 2 months, have had less than 12 wears.

Perfect condition, really good quality, and it's exactly as it's advertised, you can see it here : baerskintactical.com...

Price: $150

123 days ago

Feel your best self at Ryman

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

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.
Find out more

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124 days ago

KENT TERRACE, WELLINGTON CENTRAL - BURST PIPE AFFECTING TRAFFIC

Wellington Water from Wellington Water

Kia ora Wellington,

A burst pipe has caused flooding on Kent Terrace, between Vivian Street and Buckle St (approximately).

Crews are onsite, and we're awaiting urgent traffic management so we can undertake the repair.

While we wait for traffic management, we're asking people to … View more
Kia ora Wellington,

A burst pipe has caused flooding on Kent Terrace, between Vivian Street and Buckle St (approximately).

Crews are onsite, and we're awaiting urgent traffic management so we can undertake the repair.

While we wait for traffic management, we're asking people to avoid the area if possible, and if not please expect delays. We appreciate that this is a main route, so are doing all we can to minimise impact on commuters.

At this stage, we don't expect a shutdown to affect any properties but will provide more information as the repair progresses.

It's a major repair and we expect it to take between 8 -10 hours.

We'll keep you updated on our social channels.

125 days ago

What's your favourite rhubarb recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

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.

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125 days ago

Refresh your home with Resene!

Resene

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 more
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 right here in New Zealand.
Find out more

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126 days ago

Volunteer role

Volunteer Wellington

Are you a warm and welcoming person who enjoys connecting with others and sharing parenting experiences? Join Whanau Awhina Plunket as a Drop-In Coffee Group Facilitator and become a vital part of their supportive Community Services team. In this role, you'll create a relaxed and inviting … View moreAre you a warm and welcoming person who enjoys connecting with others and sharing parenting experiences? Join Whanau Awhina Plunket as a Drop-In Coffee Group Facilitator and become a vital part of their supportive Community Services team. In this role, you'll create a relaxed and inviting space where parents with babies of all ages can gather informally each week. Your responsibilities will include setting up a cozy meeting area, greeting parents with a friendly smile and a drink, and fostering lasting connections. Help Whanau Awhina Plunket build a supportive environment where parents can share their joys and challenges. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of fellow parents and their precious pepi, volunteer as a Drop-In Coffee Group Facilitator and be part of something truly special.
For more information, and to register your interest, please visit our website at:
tinyurl.com...

Image from www.freepik.com...

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126 days ago

Movie Fundraiser ...

Tom Neighbourly Lead from Karori

... in support of the Compassion Soup Kitchen
‘We Were Dangerous’
Sunday 25th August, Penthouse Cinema, Brooklyn
Screening Time 3.30pm
Tickets $20.00
Payment via Cash or Bank deposit.
Use your name as reference and code ‘Movie’
View more
... in support of the Compassion Soup Kitchen
‘We Were Dangerous’
Sunday 25th August, Penthouse Cinema, Brooklyn
Screening Time 3.30pm
Tickets $20.00
Payment via Cash or Bank deposit.
Use your name as reference and code ‘Movie’
Account number 03- 0510-0740893-000

Donations are welcome if you can’t come.
For inquiries email Liz Bergin yumyum6767@gmail.com

Or Anne Lumb anne.lumb@outlook.com

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143 days ago

What's the best way to keep grocery shopping bills down?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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!)

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129 days ago

Poll: Are the proposed youth military camps a good idea?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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.

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Are the proposed youth military camps a good idea?
  • 71.1% Yes
    71.1% Complete
  • 28.1% No
    28.1% Complete
  • 0.8% Other - I'll share below
    0.8% Complete
1976 votes
128 days ago

Weekend specials

Naichao from Oriental Pantry

Dear Neighbours,
Big deals on weekend.
Please visit our store at
123 Willis St, Te Aro, Wellington
Cheers!

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129 days ago

Create your own water garden

The Team from Resene ColorShop Basin Reserve

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.

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129 days ago

Little Symphony Sax Quartet at Inverlochy Art School!

Cheryl Corrado from Inverlochy Art School

Little Symphony Sax Quartet is back at Inverlochy House looking to once again get the lovely art filled walls there resonating beautifully with warm, sonorous sounds.

Their pot-pourri of saxophones, clarinets, bassoon and trombone will take a collective stroll through jazz tinged original … View more
Little Symphony Sax Quartet is back at Inverlochy House looking to once again get the lovely art filled walls there resonating beautifully with warm, sonorous sounds.

Their pot-pourri of saxophones, clarinets, bassoon and trombone will take a collective stroll through jazz tinged original compositions that have been inspired by such life experiences as low level synaesthesia, the film Blazing Saddles and meditation. Their set will be finished off with a new game of theirs called “Guess that Toon!”, where the modern day obsession of covering old material is turned somewhat on its head.

Join Little Symphony at Inverlochy House on Sunday 25th of August, they never disappoint!

Little Symphony Sax Quartet is:

Oscar Laven – Tenor Sax/Bassoon
Andre Paris – Alto Sax/Clarinet

Kaito Walley – Trombone

Blair Latham – Tenor Sax/Bass Clarinet

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