Locals on the Hibiscus Coast are being warned to be cautious of a new email scam circulating in the area.

The email, which falsely claims to be from the Police and other justice agencies, threatens recipients with arrest unless they respond within 72 hours.

The email alleges that authorities have found explicit illegal material on the recipient’s computer, pressuring them to reply or face legal action.

Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Dalziel urges everyone to avoid responding to the email under any circumstances, as it is a scam.

Although this specific version of the scam does not always mention money, similar fraudulent emails often involve issuing a ‘fine’ upon receiving a response.

Police remind the public that legitimate government agencies will never contact individuals out of the blue asking for personal information such as passwords, credit card, or bank details.

Reports of this scam have been received by the Police, and investigations are currently underway.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dalziel advises everyone to trust their instincts when it comes to unsolicited emails: “If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.”

Anyone who has received this email is encouraged to report it.

Reports can be made online via the Police website, referencing file number 240830/5842, or by forwarding the email to the Department of Internal Affairs at [email protected]

For more information on this and other ongoing scams, locals can visit the Consumer Protection NZ website or Netsafe for advice on staying safe online.