Queenstown police are warning the public after a woman had $1000 stolen in a sophisticated phone scam.
The woman, who lives locally, had ordered a new modem from her internet service provider, Spark New Zealand.
It arrived, then a few days later she received a call from someone purporting to be from the company and asking for her credit card details, referencing the new modem.
Acting Senior Sergeant Steve Watt, of Queenstown, said: ''She thought it seemed above board and correct, because she'd just received the new modem.''
Acting Snr Sgt Watt said $1000 was then stolen from the card.
''We're investigating how they've been aware she'd got a new modem, whether they've been watching her mail box.
''It could be pure coincidence.''
Acting Snr Sgt Watt said he had not heard of any other cases like this in New Zealand.
''If the call has come from overseas the chances [of an arrest] are obviously very small, effectively zero.
''But we're making enquiries to establish if the offender is local or the call was made from a New Zealand number.''
Spark New Zealand has been approached for comment.
