Westpac is warning New Zealanders to look out for a so-called “penalty scam” primarily targeting Chinese customers.
Westpac NZ head of financial crime Mark Coxhead said there had been an increase in threat and penalty scams, in which customers are pressured into handing over money by people posing as authority figures.
“Scammers are contacting people and claiming to be from the police, another government agency, or a business, and threatening to take severe action or fine them unless they make payments or give out personal information,” he said.
“There have been recent reports of scammers making contact via video call, posing as police officers in China and accusing the recipient of a crime.
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“They threaten them with harm, arrest or legal action if they do not make payments to an overseas account.”
Stacy Squires/Stuff
Westpac has reported an increase in threat or penalty scams.
Coxhead said customers who thought they had been the target of a scam should contact their bank immediately.
“Fraudsters and scammers are getting increasingly sophisticated in how they operate, and we’re working around the clock to keep our customers safe.
“But customers can help us and themselves by staying vigilant and reporting anything that doesn’t seem…
