Police are looking for a teen girl and a middle-aged man to assist in their investigation into a series of frauds in Auckland and Hawke's Bay.
It is thought 18-year-old Sheryl Duckworth and 34-year-old Harry Broughton may have information on the scams, which involves coaxing locals into making a payment for a new cellphone and then never sending it.
The offenders allegedly gain the trust of victims by providing fake identification documents and images of the cellphone, which is usually a Samsung Galaxy.
They then request a down payment of half the full price of the phone, before ceasing all communication when the payment comes through.
Police say most of the victims have been from Auckland, but the frauds have now started occurring more between Opotiki and Hastings. They say it's likely the offenders will keep going with their scam until they're caught.
"When making purchases online, police urge potential buyers to not engage with unknown persons contacting them via text message offering the sale of a cell phone and encourage mediums such as 'Safe-Trader'," said Detective Constable Kate Hyde.
People with information on the whereabouts of either Ms Duckworth or Mr Broughton are urged to call Hastings Police on (06) 873 0500 or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Newshub.
