Facebook Marketplace scam
Police are aware of multiple Facebook Marketplace scams involving sellers who are advertising firewood with no intention of following through with the deal.
Buyers should be wary of sellers requiring full payments before delivery.
Here are some things to consider when making a purchase online:
• First and foremost, we recommend using a reputable online site to buy or sell items.
• Check the social media profile of the seller. Is it a new profile or relatively blank? There's a chance it may be a fake profile.
• Be cautious if you're meeting the seller in person - take precautions where possible.
• Equally, if purchasers are reluctant to meet in person or insist items are dropped off at a location, they may be avoiding being seen or identified.
• Purchasers who are in a rush to complete a transaction.
• Consider cash as a safe alternative to online banking for pickup and pay transactions.
As the saying goes: if it is too good to be true, it probably is.
If you wish to report a social media scam, contact Police on 105 or report it online via 105.police.govt.nz/use-105.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
A time to be vigilant
It's tax return time. Scammers are impersonating Inland Revenue (IR) - and even the Police to steal personal information and money.
They may contact you by email, text, or phone, claiming:
🔹 You're owed a tax refund and must provide your bank details to receive it.
🔹 You owe tax and need to pay immediately to avoid legal trouble.
How to stay safe:
✅ Don’t click on links in emails or texts - log in to your myIR account directly.
✅ Check the sender - official IRD emails always end in @ird.govt.nz.
✅ Be cautious with texts - IRD only sends messages from four-digit codes, not
regular phone numbers.
Learn more about protecting yourself from tax scams:
netsafe.org.nz...
🎉The Riddler wants to hear from you 🫵
Hello, dearest riddle fiends 😈
You might have noticed we've been doing a few different things recently on The Neighbourly Ridder...
We took your thoughts from our last check-in and made some changes, left the riddles up for longer, as well as added some brand new rebus riddles to perplex your processor, and we wanted to know what you think 🤔
Are you a fan of the changes, or liked the way it was last time?
Is keeping the comments open longer so people can enjoy them more going well, or did you like it when we had a daily riddle?
Are you liking the new style of riddles? Would you like to keep them going, have more, or get rid of them?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below 👀
Your ideas could help shape the next chapter of our riddles! 🧩
Poll: Is your nearest emergency department up to scratch?
Concerns have been raised about Nelson Hospital with complaints of lack of staffing and excessive wait times. Do you have confidence in your local emergency department?
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0% Yes, it serves us well
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0% No, I have concerns
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0% Other - I'll share below
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