The prevalence of the crime of fraud in New Zealand society is one obvious symptom of moral corruption. Fraud Awareness Week kicked off yesterday. It is estimated that Kiwis lose $448 milion to scams each year. The SPCS supports all enforcement agencies that seek to crack down on all forms of fraud, including the Consumer Affairs Ministry that seeks to inform people how to avoid becoming victims of fraud.
Scammer’s Tricks
Some of the most prolific or highest-loss scams:
A cold-caller says your computer has a virus and you need to sign up to a contract to fix it. Your computer is then hacked.
You receive an email asking you to update your bank account details so you type in your Pin and password. Your account can be cleaned out.
A “lottery” scam claims you have won an amazing prize – but you first need to send money to cover “fees”. The prize is never delivered.
In a dating scam you get to know someone online. They then need financial help.
Phishing is an attempt to get bank account and credit numbers and passwords.
Scam Statistics
The Consumer Affairs Ministry estimates New Zealanders lose hundreds of millions of dollars to scams each year.
Scams are difficult to measure and are often underreported, but the internet is making it easier and easier for scammrs to reach New Zealanders.
Reports show that one in 10 people approached will hand over money.
The average amount a person loss to a scam would be about $5000.
Source: Consumer Affairs Ministry.
Note: One of the seven objects of the SPCS from section 2(d) of its constitution includes: “To focus attention on the harmful nature and consequences of … fraud, dishonesty in business, exploitation … and other forms of moral corruption.”.. and section 2(e) “… including supporting enforcement agencies to uphold such standards as set out in law.”
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