Following a number of elaborate police impersonation scams in the Western Bay, police are warning the community to be aware before the scam arrives in the Eastern Bay.
The Eastern Bay is being warned to be vigilant against scammers, following an increase in reports of people impersonating police.
The scam involves callers pretending to be police officers and instructing victims to withdraw cash from their bank accounts, Community Constable Rob Jones said.
The scammers provide scripts and instructions to use when speaking to bank staff.
"So going into the bank and telling you what to tell the bank teller, which I've been in the police for over 20 years and I've never ever, ever asked anyone to go to the bank and give them a script of any type," Jones said.
Additionally, the scammers are requesting bank note serial numbers and arranging a courier to pick up the cash, he said.
Jones warns this is not police protocol, and said any request for money to be collected by courier or Uber should be treated as fraudulent.
"Police will never ask you to withdraw money, they're obviously never going to ask for your bank account details or any PINs and obviously we'll never send a courier to collect any cash."
Anyone concerned they are receiving a call from scammers is encouraged to hang up immediately and report the incident through 105 or seek advice from their local police station.
Whakatāne Neighbourhood Support Coordinator Jane Fox said there had been 12 reported cases in the Western Bay of Plenty since April 1 this year.
Fox said scammers might provide information to try to convince victims they are legitimate and encourages people to talk with family and friends about how to identify scam activity.
All official police financial information is sent by mail, with reminders available online if fine payments are overdue, Jones said.
"No one's going to ring you up or send you a text message saying, hey, you owe me $100 and ask for your bank account."
"It's all done officially, it's all done through government agencies."
Payment details will be included on the back of official letters and payments would be handled through the New Zealand Police Infringement Bureau, rather than directly through police staff, he said.
People needing support with paying traffic infringement notices can call 0800 105 777 from a landline or 04 381 0000 from a mobile phone.
For court-related fines that have already been transferred from police, contact the Ministry of Justice on 0800 434 637.
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