Police are warning Kiwis to think twice if they get a call from someone claiming to be an officer and asking for financial information.
At least a dozen reports of "pesky" phone scammers posing as officers have been made to police this month.
A statement from police this afternoon slammed the scammers.
"New Zealand Police are aware of reports emerging this month where Kiwis have been contacted on the phone by someone claiming to be an officer," a spokesperson said.
"The officer will claim to be from a particular department, tell you that you have been a victim of fraud or scam, and begin to try and obtain further financial information from you.
"This is a scam."
Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton from the financial crimes unit said the calls had largely been made to landlines.
"While police do not have accurate numbers of how many of these scam calls have been received, it is important that the public are aware," he said. "Police will make some enquiries into these calls, but our experience has shown that often phone-based scammers will be operating from overseas.
"We appreciate the vigilance of those who have contact police so far, as this will help us to make others in the community aware.
"Scammers are opportunistic and thrive off your trust and goodwill.
"If you receive a call of this nature, do not hand over any personal details."
Real police do not want your bank details
Police will never contact people to ask for their bank details, card numbers, pin numbers or passwords, he added.
If in doubt, people were advised to trust their instincts.
"If you are uncertain, ask for the officer’s details. Hang up, contact 105 and request the officer to contact you.
"If you are in the unfortunate position of being a victim of a scam, please report the matter to police."
An email scam that impersonates police officials has also re-emerged.
People were urged to be "extremely cautious" and not reply to the scam email "under any circumstances".
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