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A Warkworth business owner, who was swindled out of $760 by a man purporting to be a retired painter, hopes that by speaking about it publicly he can prevent other people from falling into the same trap.
Seafood n Eat It owner Kamal Prajapati says he trusted the man because he was old.
“I’ve owned fish shops in Neville Street for 17 years and this is the first time anything like this has happened to me,” he says.
“I don’t care about the money – you can always make more money – but I want other people, especially elderly people, to know that these sorts of people are in our community and they need to be wary of them.
“I have no doubt he will continue to try the same thing on other people.”
Kamal’s problems started when the elderly man came into the shop selling bogus raffle tickets. He saw Kamal was busy painting and offered his services.
“Given his age, I didn’t think he would be able to reach the high ceilings, but he said he had a gang of young men who worked for cash who would be able to finish the job for me. He quoted $2000 with 10 per cent up front. I gave him $200 and then I asked him about replacing the awning out the front.
“He said he would need to talk to his boys, then rang back 30 minutes later and said ‘yes’, he could do it.
“The next time I saw him I gave him $560 as a deposit for the awning. On the day he was meant to start painting, he left a message on my landline saying that one of the boys had an appendix problem, but they would be on the job the following day.”
That was the last Kamal heard from him.
The man left a mobile phone contact number and gave his address as James Street, Snells Beach, but attempts to reach him have failed.
Kamal contacted Warkworth Police, but they said it was not a criminal matter and referred him to the Consumer Protection Authority.
Kamal is resigned to the fact that he has lost his money, but has posted a photo of the man on his shop counter in the hope that someone will recognise him so he can be stopped.
Millions scammed
Scams cost trusting Kiwis millions of dollars every year.
The Consumer Protection Authority says whenever anyone is asked to make a payment or provide their personal information, they should stop and think, “Is this for real?
They offer the following steps to help protect yourself from scams:
• Be suspicious. Scammers work hard to appear trustworthy, and it’s good to do some research or thinking before you engage with a person or opportunity.
• Don’t trust unexpected contact. Scams most often come through cold contact, such as an unexpected phone call or email. Always take steps to find out more before considering any offers.
• Do your research. Use the internet to look into the names of people or companies who approach you.
• Resist demands to act quickly. Anyone presenting a legitimate opportunity will allow you time to consider your response. If you feel under pressure, take some time – or turn it down.
• Keep your computer virus protection up to date. CERT NZ’s website has advice for anyone wanting to improve their personal cyber security.
Info: www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/news-and-media/fraud-awareness-week-2020/
