Fire Service investigates chain letter

The fire service has launched an internal investigation into an illegal chain letter coming out of Northland bearing the service's trademark stationery.

The letter, which has been circulating for several months, surfaced in Christchurch last week.

Numerous calls have been made to the fire service from people who had received the Kawakawa post-marked "David Rhodes" chain letters in Fire Service envelopes.

The letter purports to be penned by David Rhodes, of Perth, or sometimes Norfolk, who claims to have made more than $1 million from a $194 investment.

The letter suggests the recipient can expect a return of more than $70,000 within weeks of following six steps, including sending $10 to one person and 200 copies of the letter to people randomly selected from the telephone book.

Fire Service Northland region commander Trevor Andrews said an internal investigation was launched last week and the police had been informed.

Circulating chain letters is an illegal activity.

"Anything that has the potential to damage the high level of trust and confidence the public has (in the fire service), we take extremely seriously," Mr Andrews said.

"We have a high standing and we don't want the fire service brought into disrepute."

Mr Andrews said he would be extremely disappointed if a member of the fire service had been sending the letters.

He had received a similar letter over the weekend although it was not sent in the service's trademark stationery.

"It's obviously doing the rounds," he said.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)