Police are warning the public of a new scam targeting New Zealand businesses, where scammers use forged invoices to swindle companies out of expensive electronic equipment.
Detective Sergeant Michael Cartwright said overseas scammers have been using false email addresses, using domains similar to well-known universities, to target the companies.
The email addresses forged university invoices to businesses, and requested various electronic equipment such as hard drives, camera equipment, computers and phones.
The invoices requested companies ship goods to a New Zealand freight company, who were instructed by the scammers to forward them overseas.
When suppliers tried to bill the relevant university, the university had no knowledge of the order and the supplier is left out of pocket, by which time recovering the goods is impossible, Det Sgt Cartwright said.
Police have received reports from several targeted companies. Several businesses managed to avoid being scammed, as they checked the legitimacy of the invoice.
Det Sgt Cartwright said poor use of English in the initial email was a common identifying factor, and emails will often feature false phone numbers and email addresses.
Police advise targeted companies to immediately contact the relevant university and check the request legitimacy before sending any goods.
Anyone who has been a victim of this scam, or has received emails similar to those described, can call 09 212 9391 or their local Police Station.
