Festive Season Fraud Alert: Police Warn of Surge in Online Scams

Dunedin, New Zealand – December 4, 2025 – As the festive season approaches, police are issuing a stark warning to the public about a critically important increase in online scam activity, particularly on platforms like Facebook Marketplace.Authorities report a growing number of individuals falling victim to fraudulent schemes, prompting urgent advice on how to stay safe while shopping and selling online.

Dunedin’s inquiry Support Unit has observed a marked rise in scams, with Facebook Marketplace emerging as a key hotspot for criminal activity. Senior Sergeant Blair Dalton,Southern District Service Delivery Manager,emphasized a basic rule: “If a deal looks too good to be true,it probably is.”

Facebook Marketplace Safety tips:

* Profile Age: Scrutinize the seller’s Facebook profile creation date. Recently created profiles pose a higher risk of being used for one-time fraudulent transactions.
* Name & Bank Account Consistency: Verify that the seller’s profile name matches the name on their provided bank account. Discrepancies, particularly explanations involving partners or family members, are major red flags.
* Beware of Screenshots: Never trust payment screenshots sent by the seller.These are easily fabricated.
* Cash & In-Person Transactions: The safest method for both buyers and sellers is to agree on cash payment or receipt in a face-to-face exchange.
* public Meeting Locations: If an in-person meeting is necessary, choose a public place equipped with live CCTV surveillance.
* Due Diligence for High-Value Items: For significant purchases, such as vehicles, conduct thorough checks. Utilize resources like Carjam.co.nz to verify vehicle history and ownership status.

bank Impersonation Scams on the Rise:

Beyond Marketplace scams, police are also witnessing a surge in fraudulent communications – text messages, phone calls, and emails – where scammers impersonate banking representatives.

Key indicators of a bank impersonation scam include:

* never Asked for Login Details: Legitimate banks will never request your login information via any communication channel.
* No Requests for Cash or Card Collection: Banks will never ask you to withdraw cash or hand over your card for collection.
* Immediate Reporting: If you receive a suspicious communication, contact your bank promptly to report the incident.

Reporting Suspicious Activity:

Any suspected fraudulent activity should be reported to police via the 105 non-emergency line. By remaining vigilant and adhering to these safety guidelines, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of becoming victims of online scams this festive season.

What resources are available to report fraud in teh UK?

Rising Scam Activity Warned During Pre-christmas Season by Police

Understanding the Surge in Christmas Scams

Police forces across the UK are issuing urgent warnings about a significant increase in scam activity as we head into the peak pre-Christmas shopping season. This year, fraudsters are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics, targeting individuals with festive-themed phishing scams, fake online marketplaces, and deceptive delivery notifications. the goal? To exploit the increased spending and emotional generosity associated with the holidays. Fraud prevention is key during this vulnerable time.

Common Christmas Scam types to Watch Out For

Here’s a breakdown of the most prevalent Christmas scams currently circulating:

* Fake Delivery Notifications: These often arrive via text message or email, claiming a problem with a delivery and requesting payment for redelivery or a small “verification fee.” These are designed to steal your credit card details or install malware on your device.

* Phishing Emails & Texts: Disguised as legitimate communications from retailers like Amazon, Royal mail, or banks, these messages attempt to trick you into revealing personal details, including passwords and banking details. Look for poor grammar, spelling errors, and generic greetings – red flags for phishing attacks.

* Fake Online Marketplaces: Scammers are creating fake listings on popular online marketplaces, offering highly sought-after items at unbelievably low prices. Victims pay for the goods but never receive them. Be wary of sellers with limited history or those requesting payment via unusual methods.

* Charity Scams: Fraudsters exploit the charitable spirit of the season by creating fake charities or impersonating legitimate ones. always verify a charity’s credentials before donating. Check the Charity Commission website for registered charities.

* Loan Scams: Offering ‘christmas loans’ with tempting, but unrealistic, terms.These frequently enough require upfront fees and are designed to steal your money.

* Investment Scams: Promising high returns on investments before the new year. These are often too good to be true and are designed to defraud investors.

Real-World Example: Amy Hart’s Recent Experience

Recently, Love Island star amy Hart publicly shared her experience of falling victim to a bank scam during the pre-Christmas period. According to a BBC News report (December 3, 2025), she lost £5,000 after being targeted by fraudsters. While she successfully recovered the funds through her bank, she didn’t report the incident to the police or the National Cyber Security Centre initially. This highlights the importance of reporting all instances of fraud to the appropriate authorities, even if you manage to recover your money. This case underscores the widespread nature of these online scams.

Protecting Yourself: Practical Tips & advice

Here are actionable steps you can take to protect yourself from fraud this Christmas:

1. Be Suspicious of Unsolicited Contact: Never click on links or open attachments in emails or texts from unknown senders.
2. Verify Information: If you receive a suspicious email or text, contact the company directly using a known phone number or website address. Do not use the contact details provided in the message.
3. Secure Your Accounts: Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
4. Shop Safely Online: Only shop on reputable websites and look for the padlock icon in the address bar, indicating a secure connection.
5. Be Wary of Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True: If an offer seems unrealistic, it probably is.
6. Use Secure Payment Methods: Pay with a credit card or PayPal,which offer greater protection against fraud. Avoid using bank transfers for online purchases.
7. Keep Your Software Updated: ensure your antivirus software and operating system are up to date to protect against malware and viruses.
8. Report Suspicious Activity: Report any suspected fraud to Action Fraud (https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/) and your bank immediately.

The Benefits of Proactive Fraud Prevention

Taking proactive steps to protect yourself from scams offers several benefits:

* Financial Security: Avoid losing money to fraudsters.

* Peace of Mind: Reduce stress and anxiety during the festive season.

* Data Protection: Safeguard your personal and financial information.

* Community Safety: Help prevent others from becoming victims of fraud.

Resources for Further Information

* Action Fraud: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

* National Cyber Security Centre: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/

* Take Five to Stop Fraud: https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/

* The Charity Commission: https://www.gov.uk/check-charity

Neo-Nazi Removed from Australia After Visa Cancellation

By Isobel Roe, ABC

A neo-Nazi who publicly protested outside New South Wales parliament calling for the “abolition of the Jewish lobby” has departed Australia after his visa was cancelled by the Home Affairs Minister.

South African national Matthew Gruter had his visa revoked last month following photographs surfacing of him at the forefront of a rally organized by the National Socialist Network (NSN). Australian Border Force officials detained Mr. Gruter in November,offering him the choice of voluntary departure or appealing the decision.

Mr. Gruter left the country on Thursday morning with his wife and young child, choosing not to contest the cancellation. He was identified among a group of 60 individuals, all dressed in black, who demonstrated outside NSW parliament on November 8th, displaying a sign advocating for the dismantling of what they termed the “Jewish lobby.”

The NSN, currently seeking registration as a federal political party under the name ‘white Australia,’ openly opposes immigration. participants at the rally were also heard chanting “blood and honor,” a slogan historically linked to Hitler youth.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated he anticipated Mr. Gruter would not challenge the visa cancellation, emphasizing a firm stance on upholding Australian values. “We’ve got a really strong principle here: If you’re on a visa, you’re a guest in Australia,” Burke said. “If someone turns up for the purposes of just abusing people and wrecking the place and damaging the cohesion, you can ask them to leave.”

The incident prompted legislative changes in New South Wales.Prior to his departure, mr. Gruter’s online profile indicated employment with Aurecon, a multinational design, engineering, and consulting firm. His wife’s online activity suggested he arrived in Australia in 2022 under a company sponsorship.

What specific concerns outlined in the ASIO briefing to the Minister for Immigration in November 2025 led to the visa cancellation?

neo-Nazi Matthew Gruter Expelled from Australia Following Visa revocation by Minister

Visa Cancellation and Deportation: A Timeline of Events

On december 3rd, 2025, Matthew Gruter, a known neo-Nazi figure, was officially expelled from Australia. This followed a decision by the minister for Immigration to revoke his visa on character grounds. The revocation and subsequent deportation mark a notable action against extremist ideologies within the country. The process, while swift in its final execution, was the culmination of months of scrutiny by Australian authorities and intelligence agencies.

* Early 2024: Initial reports surfaced linking Gruter to several international white supremacist networks.

* Mid-2024: Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) began a formal investigation into Gruter’s activities and associations.This included monitoring his online presence and reported connections to extremist groups.

* November 2025: The Minister for Immigration received a briefing from ASIO outlining concerns regarding Gruter’s potential to incite violence and promote extremist ideologies.

* December 2nd, 2025: Gruter’s visa was officially cancelled.

* December 3rd, 2025: Gruter was taken into immigration detention and deported to his country of origin.

Grounds for Visa Revocation: Character Test Failure

Australia’s migration Act 1958 allows for visa cancellation if an individual fails the “character test.” This test considers a range of factors, including:

* Criminal convictions: While Gruter did not have a criminal record in Australia, authorities considered his documented association with groups advocating violence and hatred.

* Membership of extremist groups: Evidence presented to the Minister demonstrated Gruter’s active involvement with neo-Nazi organizations.

* Past conduct: His documented history of promoting extremist views online and offline was a key factor.

* Risk to the community: ASIO assessed that Gruter posed a potential risk to the safety and security of the Australian community.

The Minister’s decision was based on the principle that individuals who advocate violence and hatred are not fit to reside in Australia. This case sets a precedent for future actions against individuals deemed to pose a threat to national security and social cohesion. Related terms include immigration law, visa cancellation, and character assessment.

Gruter’s Activities and Connections: A Profile of Extremism

Matthew Gruter gained notoriety for his online propagation of neo-Nazi ideology. He was a prominent figure on several extremist platforms,actively recruiting members and disseminating hateful content.

* Online Propaganda: Gruter utilized social media and encrypted messaging apps to spread his views, targeting vulnerable individuals and attempting to radicalize them.

* International Network: Investigations revealed Gruter had established connections with neo-Nazi groups in Europe and North America, facilitating the exchange of details and resources.

* Ideological Alignment: Gruter’s ideology centered on white supremacy, anti-Semitism, and xenophobia. He actively promoted conspiracy theories and demonized minority groups.

* Reported Attempts at Recruitment: Intelligence sources indicated Gruter attempted to recruit individuals within Australia to join his extremist network.

This case highlights the growing threat of online radicalization and the importance of monitoring extremist activity. Keywords: white supremacy, neo-Nazism, online radicalization, extremist networks.

Legal Challenges and Due Process

The visa revocation was not without potential for legal challenge. Gruter had the right to appeal the Minister’s decision to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). However, sources indicate he did not lodge an appeal before his deportation.

The AAT reviews decisions made by the Minister for Immigration to ensure they are lawful and procedurally fair. The government maintains that all due process was followed in Gruter’s case, and that the decision to revoke his visa was justified based on the evidence presented. Related search terms: Administrative Appeals Tribunal,immigration appeals,due process.

Implications for Counter-Terrorism and National Security

The expulsion of Matthew Gruter sends a clear message that Australia will not tolerate the presence of individuals who promote hatred and violence. This action is part of a broader strategy to counter-terrorism and protect national security.

* Deterrent Effect: The deportation may deter other extremist individuals from attempting to enter or remain in Australia.

* Enhanced Scrutiny: Authorities are likely to increase scrutiny of individuals associated with extremist groups.

* International Cooperation: The case underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating extremism.

* Focus on Online Radicalization: Increased resources will likely be allocated to monitoring and disrupting online extremist activity.

this event reinforces the need for a multi-faceted approach to counter-terrorism, encompassing law enforcement, intelligence gathering, and community engagement. Keywords: counter-terrorism,national security,extremism prevention,border security.

The Role of ASIO and Intelligence Gathering

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) played a crucial role in identifying and monitoring Matthew Gruter’s activities.Their investigation provided the evidence necessary for the Minister to make an informed decision regarding his visa.

ASIO’s capabilities in intelligence gathering, analysis, and assessment are vital to protecting Australia from threats to its security. The Gruter case demonstrates the effectiveness of these capabilities in identifying and neutralizing extremist individuals.Related terms: ASIO, intelligence gathering, *national security intelligence