Scam Alert
Cold-calling computer virus scam could be costing Kiwis $10 million
New Zealanders are being called on to spread the word about a cold-calling computer-virus scam, which may be costing Kiwis $10 million.
Scamwatch spokesman Jarrod Rendle says, based on scam reports and research, an estimated 30 per cent of New Zealand adults have been phoned with this computer virus scam.
“Our reports show one in 20 recipients are falling for this scam, losing an average of $200 each time. Based on the New Zealand population, up to $10 million dollars could have been swindled out of unsuspecting Kiwis.
“The message is simple: If someone calls you to say your computer has a virus or problem, it is a scam and you should hang up straight away.
“Tell everyone you know about this scam. Share it with your friends, tweet about it, write a letter to your grandparents. However you do it, spread the word, so New Zealand can, as a country, tell these scammers that we’ve had enough and we’re not falling for their trickery,” says Mr Rendle.
