Police warn of computer game fraud

Press, 25 May 1989, Page 16

Police warn of computer game fraud

A young man believed involved in a Christ-church-based computer games mail-order fraud is sought by the police. The man, possibly a student aged in his late teens or early 20s, has been advertising a catalogue of computer games which can be bought from a company called Hitek. Computer enthusiasts, many of them school pupils, have spent more than $2OOO to a box number hoping to get the catalogue. The police believe the company does not exist. Detective Chris Unsted, of the Christchurch C. 1.8., said the man behind the fraud has used names such as Alex King, Anton King, Andrew King, Andrew Bell, Ryan Thornly, Simon Smith and Catherine Smith.

“These frauds have been happening over a four month period early this year. He could be advertising in the Commodore Users Club, going under the name Andrew King, P.O. Box 2304, Christchurch. “If people see him advertising, they shouldn’t send money away,” Detective Unsted said. The mail-order scheme was featured on the television programme “Crimewatch” on Tuesday evening. The televised item drew more complaints about the fraudulent activities and generated information the police are following. More than 200 telephone calls were received at the Avalon studios, in Wellington, about items featured during the programme.