Police warn of PIN number scam in Wellington

Wellington Police want to identify two people in relation to a PIN number scam being used to obtain money from stolen bank cards. Police say the male and female have been quite convincing with shop staff and warn others not to fall into the same trap.

Cash, wallets and other small valuables have been stolen from backroom office areas by one person while the other diverts the attention of the staff member.

A short time after the pair have left, a phone call is made to the store, with one of the pair posing as a bank representative asking for a bank card PIN number to refund overcharging. The 'representative' gives the staff member the option of visiting the bank in person or conveniently providing the PIN number immediately by phone.

Police say three small business owners in Wellington CBD have made reports and CCTV images of the pair have been provided. The pair are believed to have first obtained property and money from CBD shops on Saturday 9 January.

Police warn all members of the public against giving bank card PIN numbers over the phone to anyone, no matter how persuasive the caller sounds. Shop staff working alone should pay attention to people's movements in their store when helping customers.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call Wellington Police burglary squad on 381 2000.