Scam Alert
Phone call saying you've won a holiday? Or an offer of an amazingly cheap holiday?
It's almost summer time and with holiday thoughts on many people's minds, now is the time for scammers to target those planning a holiday. There's three types of scams we're seeing:
Holiday win
Scamwatch has received reports of people 'winning' holidays in such far-flung destinations as Mexico and Las Vegas. You're phoned out of the blue to be told of this win, either by an automated message or a real-life person. If you accept this 'win' you're asked for credit card details to cover the 'incidental costs' or fees or taxes. Never give your credit card number out over the phone. Hang up.
Amazing discounts
You are called, again out of the blue, with an amazing offer. One example reported to Scamwatch was a holiday valued at $3898.00 less a $3000.00 discount = $898.00. Guess how the remainder was to be paid? Again, never give your credit card number out over the phone. Hang up.
Supermarket voucher wins
In a variation on the above, other scammers have been claiming to be calling from supermarket chains saying that the consumer has won a travel voucher or some other discount vouchers. They then ask for credit card details to 'claim' the prize. Obviously legitimate companies would never ask for this.
These types of scams are all variations on the Holiday voucher scam.
If you have given your credit card details out, contact your bank immediately for advice.
![[link to the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment website].](http://www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz/images/MBIE-white-space.png)
