Men accused of defrauding vulnerable person could face further charges

Two men accused of defrauding a vulnerable person in the Bay of Plenty could face further charges.

Police said the victim was manipulated into withdrawing a significant amount of cash from his bank account and handing it over as part of an elaborate scam.

They are due to appear in the Rotorua District Court on Thursday.

"Scammers are highly convincing and often prey on people when they are vulnerable or under pressure," Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Van Kempen said.

He said scammers are often skilled at creating a sense of urgency or trust to persuade people to hand over money, personal information or banking details.

Kempen is urging people to be cautious if they receive unexpected phone calls, emails, text messages or requests for money.

"If something doesn't feel right, stop and verify the request through official channels before taking any action. Taking a moment to check could save you from significant financial loss."

He said police have prevention advice available for common types of scams and he encourages the public to familiarise themselves with the warning signs.