Police are continuing to remind the public that government agencies will not ask for fines to be paid by iTunes or other vouchers, says Detective Senior Sergeant Iain Chapman.

“Unfortunately, these calls are now being made to look like they are coming from New Zealand numbers, including those associated with Government departments such as Police.

“While these numbers may show a New Zealand number, they are in fact coming from overseas.

“We are seeing a huge numbers of these calls coming through, with over 900,000 calls showing as coming from one New Zealand number over the months of June and July.

“It’s really important to remember that Government agencies will never require or ask you to pay a fine by using an iTunes voucher.

“If you get a call from someone saying you need to pay a fine by iTunes vouchers, Police’s advice is just to hang up.

“We are also seeing a wide range of the public being targeted through these calls, including the elderly.

“If you do have family members or relatives who are not technologically savvy, we do ask that you have a chat with them about this so they do not fall victim to this type of scam.”

If you do have outstanding fines and are concerned, you should find the contact details of the organisation from the phone book or their website and use the generic number listed.

ENDS

Note to media - Footage of Detective Senior Sergeant Iain Chapman talking about this issue: https://www.dropbox.com/s/vb4pyj6gwqjj6zv/scam%20auckland_2you%20tube.mp....

Issued by Police Media Centre