Rescue service warns of scam
Scammers have used the Taranaki rescue helicopter’s name to attempt to steal from generousnatured New Zealanders.
On Monday, a New Plymouth woman got a telephone call from someone claiming to be from the service and asking for her bank account details so they could process her donation.
While she didn’t give out her personal information, the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust has taken steps to warn sponsors and donors about the scam.
Chairman Evan Cottam said it was very disappointing to hear the service’s name had been used in such a way.
‘‘It’s just taking advantage of trustworthy organisations but also the good people in the community that support them,’’ Cottam said.
Anyone contacted by the fraudsters should try to get a telephone number, email, name or any form of identification and report it to the authorities.
Cottam hoped the continued use of the names of charities and worthwhile causes wouldn’t frighten people off from donating to the legitimate organisations.
Fundraising and administrator Vanessa Govender said the elderly woman, who was a longtime donor, immediately contacted the service.
‘‘She said I’ve just received a call from your tele-marketer asking for my bank account details for a donation,’’ Govender said.
The scammer was female, Govender said, and used specific details, including saying they were renewing her ‘‘friend membership’’, but made one error.
‘‘We do not ask for your personal banking details. I praised her for not giving her banking details over the phone.’’
It’s not the first time a charity or worthy cause had been used by scammers to try to take advantage of the good will of Kiwis; they also targeted both the Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquake appeals in 2011 and 2016.
Govender described the behaviour as shameful.
‘‘The reality is we can’t avoid this kind of incident. There’s people out there who will do this. You just need to be vigilant.’’
She said the service would be running various appeals during the year and the community would be advised through local media.