A Whanganui woman offered health products by an unknown caller was perturbed when the caller would only take payment from a credit card.
On Wednesday Hannah Quayle took a call from a woman representing a health care company. The woman asked her age, and what medication she was on.
She discussed the medications in such a knowledgeable way the Mrs Quayle thought she was a nurse. Then she asked which health problem was worst, and offered a product that would fix it within two months.
She wanted payment of $59. Mrs Quayle offered her a cheque, but she said payment had to be by Visa or MasterCard credit card.
When she said she didn't have a credit card the caller suggested she use her son's, or get one of her own. She offered to ring back in a week, by which time Mrs Quayle would have the card.
The woman's number didn't come up on her phone's caller display, and she gave Mrs Quayle a Wellington number to reply to.
Mrs Quayle was suspicious about the caller's insistence on a credit card, and rang the Chronicle.
Netsafe, an independent New Zealand body focused on online safety, gives advice about scams. Hearing Mrs Quayle's story, a representative said it could be a scam where the caller tries to "phish" for some credit card details and personal details.
He advised people to stay vigilant while dealing with such callers.
"Do not give out much personal detail, especially bank card details, home address, date of birth, driver's license number and passport details."
Reports like Mrs Quayle's helped Netsafe identify emerging patterns, to keep New Zealand internet users informed about scams and ways they can protect themselves.
Netsafe can be rung on 0508 638 723.