Two elderly Queenstown residents have lost tens of thousands of dollars in a phone scam.
Police are warning all banking customers to be cautious after the scam came to light last week.
''The scam was first reported by the Bankers Association on February 2, 2017, where scammers were posing as workers from utility companies and banks to gain access to people's personal information,'' a police spokeswoman said.
A victim was also reported in Christchurch, she said.
''The victims had received a call from a 'representative' of their power company asking to speak to them about an unpaid power bill or a contract renewal.
''In some cases, the caller had threatened to immediately disconnect their power if payment was not made immediately.
''The caller then arranged for a 'representative' of their bank to speak with the victim, persuading them to provide account details and passwords for payment.
''All of those targeted have believed the calls to be legitimate because of the caller's knowledge of personal details. It is believed the scammers may first be hacking the victims' email address to gather this information.''
In two of the cases reported to police, the victims had been SBS Bank customers using Xtra email accounts. However, all residents should be vigilant and cautious about any unexpected phone calls related to their services or asking for private information.
''Police are currently working with SBS Bank to identify the offenders and ascertain whether the stolen money can be recovered, however, it is likely the money was transferred overseas shortly after it was taken,'' the spokeswoman said.
''If you believe you may be a victim of this scam, or if you have received a call similar to the ones described, please contact your bank in the first instance to check whether your accounts have been affected.
''If money has been withdrawn from any of your accounts without authority, please contact your local police station.''
SBS Bank was working closely with the police, a spokeswoman said.
- Dunedin police (03) 471-4800, Crimestoppers 0800 555-111.
