Ignore hoax email

An email quoting Ten-One and warning about a suspicious character targeting women on service station forecourts is a hoax and should be ignored, says Community Policing Manager Police National Headquarters, Inspector Carey Griffiths.

The email refers to a man using money dropped on the ground of a service station to try to gain access to a woman in her car.

The hoax email has similarities to a hoax email in Australia and the US.

It has been altered to include references to New Zealand Police staff and their advice, Ten-One and the television programme Police Ten-7.

"This email has all the hallmarks of an urban legend and should be discounted," says Carey. "Its circulation is causing a lot of unnecessary concern for recipients, many of whom are contacting police about it."

Carey says people should take a common sense approach when it comes to bulk emails, especially if the information appears to be sensationalist or alarming, and to be careful about forwarding emails with bulk distribution lists.

"We all receive bulk emails from time to time, and they often are sent to us by people we know. If people have any doubts, they should check with the sender, refer to the hoax email FAQ on the Police website or check content against urban legend sites.

"Staff need to balance the fear of crime caused by such e-mails with giving common sense safety messages, such as urging caution when answering the door to strangers.

"It's not a bad thing to be suspicious, it's all about balance," says Carey.