Scammers threaten violence (+ video)

Around 70 people crammed into St Barnabas Church Hall to learn how to be scam savvy. Photo / Stephen Parker

Refusal to pay sparks retaliation fears among elderly man’s family

A Ngongotaha man fleeced of $100,000 over two years was threatened with violence when he stood up to those who had been hounding him for cash.

The 86-year-old's family took him from his home for a night in case there was retaliation when he finally stood up for himself.

That story was just one told at a Being Scam Savvy meeting at St Barnabas Church Hall in Ngongotaha yesterday after the Rotorua Daily Post revealed last week that up to $250,000 had been obtained from residents in the last two years.

About 70 people attended the meeting, which was organised by Age Concern Rotorua and featured talks from Rotorua District Council member Charles Sturt, Rotorua police Detective Sergeant Tony Colby, Neighbourhood Support Rotorua co-ordinator Bruce Quedley and Age Concern Rotorua elder abuse and neglect prevention co-ordinator Hillary Thule.

Mrs Thule said she knew of nine people who had been targeted by three women whom members of the audience said told sob stories, asking for money they said would be paid back. "My dad was threatened with gang violence," said a woman who did not want to be identified.

"He's lived in his home for 65 years, but we had to take him from his home. She came to his house on Thursday and wanted money. He said he wasn't giving any more. She came back with her partner and they threatened him. It makes us wild."

She said she didn't know how much money her 86-year-old dad had given to the women before her family became aware of it after his bank manager spotted unusual transactions.

She had identified at least $100,000 in transactions.

"There were three amounts of $300 from an ATM on one day - we knew he couldn't use the machine. That's when we started checking it out."

The family had reported the incidents to police.

Mr Colby gave a rundown on what police could and couldn't do in such situations.

Because the victims were handing over money as a loan - they had been told the money would be paid back - it was a civil matter.

Rotorua police were investigating if there had been any fraudulent activity.

"Fraudsters don't look like criminals," he said. "They rely on people liking them and getting their trust and confidence and building relationships. They play on your emotions.

"It's good there are generous people willing to help people in need but, unfortunately, these people, those who don't have genuine reasons, target the generous because they know they have good hearts."

He said police were able to impose trespass notices if victims were being repeatedly pestered.

Similar meetings are being planned for the western and eastern suburbs of Rotorua.

• Anyone who is worried about an elderly relative with regards to financial abuse should contact Hillary Thule at Age Concern Rotorua on (07) 347 1539.