Photo: RNZA scam has been uncovered in Christchurch in which fraudsters allegedly steal beneficiaries’ identities to swindle payments from the Ministry of Social Development. Charges are expected to be laid against two people accused of identity theft and fraud. A single parent, who asked to remain anonymous, told The Star her MSD account was accessed by fraudsters in September. They allegedly used her personal information to trick an MSD call centre operator into transferring $3000 into their account, claiming it was for a rental bond. After speaking with the woman and investigating the matter further, MSD determined that fraud and identity theft had taken place.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 27, 2026 04:07 UTC