New Zealanders are being urged to beware of scammers offering refunds on credit card overcharges.
The Commerce Commission said it had received reports from card holders being phoned and told they were eligible for a $3000 refund of overcharges on their credit cards.
They were then asked to pay a sum, ranging from $100 to $300, either through Western Union or the Post Office, in order to receive their refund.
One complainant was told the call was "on behalf of the Commerce Commission" and another was told it was from the New Zealand Banking Association.
Though the story used by the scammers was slightly different, there were sufficient similarities to suggest they were coming from the same organisation, the commision said.
Enforcement manager Greg Allan said "without a doubt" this was a complete scam.
"The commission has not ordered repayments for credit card overcharges, and neither has the New Zealand Bankers Association.
"The power to stop scams of this type is in the hands of the public. The most effective method is to simply hang up. Do not give your bank account details and do not pay any money.
"If the caller appears to already have your credit card or bank account details, or you have provided them, contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately."
He asked anyone phoned by the scammers to report it to the commission.
