Two people have been arrested in relation to a phone scam that's been targeting the elderly.
A 28-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man have been charged with money laundering, after police received hundreds of phone calls from the public.
"We are currently working through the information we have received, but it is evident that a large number of our community have been targeted and unfortunately we have had more reports of people handing over significant amounts of money," said Det Sgt Kevin Blackman, saying the amount lost is in the hundreds of thousands.
"It would appear that the alleged scammers have been targeting those in our elderly community so we need to ensure we are checking in on our family and friends.
"We hope these arrests send a clear message that police are taking these matters very seriously and that we will hold anyone found to be involved with this scam to account."
The pair are accused of calling up elderly people claiming to be from telecommunications provider Spark, claiming there is a problem with the victim's computer or router.
"At some point in the conservation, the victims are usually told they are the subject of identity theft/fraud through their emails and told they are being transferred to a member of the 'police cyber crime unit', where they are spoken to by a person claiming to be a police officer," said Blackman.
"The victim is then told that police need their assistance to set up a "trap to catch the criminals.
"They are convinced to withdraw large sums of money - often in the area of $10,000 - $15,000 - and given an address to post the money to or bank account to transfer it to."
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Blackman said police would never ask a member of the public for their bank details, or tell them to transfer money into an account.
"There is no legitimate reason for a stranger to need to put money into your account. If you are ever asked, do not accept any money and contact police."
The accused will appear in court on Friday.
Newshub.
