Avoiding the scammers - Fraud Awareness Week a timely reminder

Fraud Awareness Week 2013 is focusing on scams that target seniors this year.

NZ Police Crime Prevention Manager, Superintendent Bruce Bird says Fraud Awareness Week is a timely reminder for New Zealanders to be vigilant about protecting themselves.

"People of all ages and from all backgrounds can be a target for scammers.  However, older people can be particularly vulnerable for a number of reasons."

"Older people may tend to use cash more, having it on them or in their house, they may have spare retirement capital for investment, they may be travelling more, they may be trying out online dating or buying goods online for the first time.

"They may also be home during the day so they can be a target for scammers who go door to door trying to part people from their cash with bogus offers of roof or other home repairs," Mr Bird said.

"Prevention is much better than cure in the case of scams. By the time people have realised they've been ripped off and alerted Police it is usually too late."

"Scammers can be online, on the end of the telephone or even on your doorstep," he said.

People shouldn't become paranoid about scammers, but they do need to realise that they can be vulnerable if they don't take some basic precautions.

•If something sounds too good to be true it usually is.  Don't respond to letters or emails saying you have won the lottery - you haven't. This is always a scam and they will want money from you that you won't see again.

•Don't give out personal information such as credit card numbers to anyone unless you know you are dealing with a secure, trusted online retailer.

•Never give your PIN to anyone.  No reputable bank or financial organisation will ever ask you for your PIN.

•It is not a crime to hang up on or close your door to someone you know is trying to scam you.  Often you need to be blunt in order to get them off the phone or off your property.

•If you are offered a deal or you are interested in investing in something you need to make sure it is genuine before you commit.

•Talk to people you can trust about anything you are not sure about before you part with your money. Trusted friends and family are a good start, or if it is an investment opportunity a qualified financial expert. This may involve a fee, but it is better to have done this than invest in a scam.

•Don't get pressured into making a decision. If someone is offering you a genuine deal then they will expect you to check it out first. If they start pressuring you to part with your money immediately then alarm bells should start ringing.

"Older people who are scammed are often too proud or embarrassed to report it, but they need to know that they are not alone" Mr Bird said.

"Victims should come forward to Police. They should also report the scam to Scamwatch.govt.nz.

"Police will do what we can to help. Unfortunately it is very difficult to get back money lost to scammers.  Even if it is too late to retrieve your money, it is still important to report scams and scammers so we can stop others from becoming victims."