Police have arrested two people in Christchurch who allegedly scammed victims out of more than $500,000.
Following an investigation into alleged serious fraud offences and a search warrant at an address in Hornby on Wednesday morning, police arrested a 26-year-old man.
Detective Sergeant Mike Freeman says the man has been charged with seven counts of causing loss by deception and one count of attempted loss by deception. He is due to appear in the Christchurch District Court on Wednesday afternoon.
The man is alleged to have scammed victims out of over $500,000.
A 32-year-old woman was also arrested and has been charged with possession of methamphetamine and causing loss by deception relating to alleged offending that happened overnight where a victim was scammed out of $28,000. She is due to appear in the Christchurch District Court next week.
Det Sgt Freeman says fraud is a significant problem in New Zealand and around the world.
"Police have been liaising with the victims to provide them with prevention advice and recommendations to help prevent them being targeted by fraudsters," he says.
"We also urge the public to never give out your credit card or banking details over the phone, even if the caller purports to be from a reputable company.
"If you are ever asked for these details, hang up and phone the company back on their publicly listed number and report the call."
