Scam attempt spotlights net 'dangers'

People needed to be aware about the inherent dangers of providing credit card details, or personal details, to strangers either by email or online, Kingston and Frankton Community Constable Zoe Albon said.

Const Albon said police in Queenstown had been contacted by a Queenstown resident who had recently received an email reportedly from the Inland Revenue Department "stating she was eligible to receive a tax refund of $609.30".

The link in the email directed the woman to fill in an online for and include her credit card details.

Const Albon said it was a known "phishing scam" and a warning on Inland Revenue's website said customers should be "very careful" about giving out their IRD number or other personal details.

"We are aware emails can circulate which attempt to trick recipients into divulging personal information," the warning said.

"These emails are often known as phishing emails.

For example, an email may claim to come from Inland Revenue or a tax refund agency and ask you to click on a link that takes you to a fake website.

"Do not click on any links within a suspicious email or reply to the email.

"Delete the email from your inbox."

Const Albon said the woman was "wise and well aware of these risks".

"The fact that she had already claimed her tax refund and the address bar did not display her email address, as it was blank ... [alerted] her to the scam."

However, it was a timely reminder for people that they should never give out their credit card details or personal information to insecure internet sites or via email address links, she said.

"Many people conduct business and personal day-to-day activities on the internet nowadays so it is important to realise the risks that come with it and learn to make an informed decision.

"If it sounds too good to be true, then it is."