Auckland: NZ Police would like to advise the community of the activities of certain criminals, who have adopted a new method for cheating individuals and businesses, by presenting fraudulently altered bank receipts.
Unfortunately a number of victims have relied solely on the receipt presented by the fraudster, as proof that full payment has been made, and released goods or services. To counter this kind of criminal activity, and as a standard security practice for goods or services sold under these circumstances, a seller should always, directly verify with the bank first, that full payment has been deposited into the account, before handing over any goods or services.
The seller will eventually discover a financial loss, and the reality that he or she has been the victim of a scam. By this time the fraudster has disappeared, and cannot be contacted owing to false identity details, that were provided to the victim by the fraudster.
Police recommend that all individuals and businesses selling goods or services under similar circumstances, should observe the following guidelines:
(i) If a new client wants to do business with you, take the necessary care to verify the client's background and identity. Check person's appearance against their ID they provide. If it does not match then do not accept the transaction.
(ii) Do not give banking details to persons over the phone.
(iii) Before goods are released or services are provided, check with your Bank or through internet banking to verify the full amount that has been paid in to your Bank account on a particular date and time.
(iv) Be vigilant and scrutinise Bank receipts and notes(money) shown to you by new clients, for any signs of alteration or erasure. For your established clients, continue with your normal procedures.
Anyone with information in relation to suspects involved in this type of criminal activity please contact Counties Manukau Police on 09-2611300. If you are a victim of such a SCAM please report it at your local police station.