Police have warned New Zealanders to be vigilant with scam callers telling people they are under investigation by the IRD (Inland Revenue).
The scam, which has been targetting people around the country, alleges people owe money to the IRD and would be arrested if they don’t pay up.
The automated message is recorded in a New Zealand accent and asks the caller for their name and IRD number, police said.
Prominent businesswoman and Agribusiness leader Traci Houpapa is just one of many New Zealanders targetted by the scam.
Taking to social media, Houpapa wrote: “Yesterday I received a phone message from 04 889 0348 saying that it was the IRD, I was behind on the taxes, there was a warrant out for my arrest and to return the call.
“My accountant phoned, talked with the person who answered – it was clearly a scam.”
The scam callers are also leaving messages on recipients voicemails, and appear to be leaving slight variations of their response.
Auckland woman Rachel Clayton told the Herald that during her conversation with the scammers warned she’d be prosecuted by the government but was told payment couldn’t be accepted over the phone.
“[They called] advising me that I have been investigated for tax evasion and under article 220 the federal government will be prosecuting me unless I wish to settle the matter out of court.
“In which case I can pay the bill. But they can’t accept payment over the phone as that is not safe, but do I have a supermarket down the road?
“They hung up pretty quickly when I asked if people really fall for that.”
