A phone scam is targeting New Zealand's Indian community, with people being told a member of their family have been arrested and are then ordered to to pay the caller a significant amount of cash.
Police said the caller, who has a male voice, states he is a New Zealand police officer and demands the victim pays them cash for their family to be released from custody.
In some cases, the caller has asked the victim to purchase a significant amount of iTunes vouchers instead of cash.
Detective Sergeant Bridget Doell from the Auckland City Police Financial Crime Unit says the scammers have been targeting the Indian community.
"These scams are quite complex and on at least one occasion the scammer has known personal information about the victim," Detective Sergeant Doell said in a statement this afternoon.
"Police, or any other government agency, will never demand money or any other form of payment over the phone.
"In no instance would a call like this be genuine.
"If you think you’ve been scammed, we urge you to report the incident as soon as possible to your nearest police station and warn your friends and family so others in the community are also aware of this scam."
Detective Sergeant Doell said Police are investigating and are working to identify those involved in the scam.
If you have been targeted or have any information that may help police, contact the Auckland City Police Financial Crime Unit on (09) 302 6400 or your nearest police station.
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