Police are warning people to be on alert for the latest round of email scams referencing Police and other justice agencies.

"The email claims authorities have done a search of the email recipient’s computer and located explicit illegal material," says Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Dalziel.

The recipient is directed to reply within 72 hours, or a warrant will be issued for their arrest.

"This email is a scam and anyone who receives it should not reply under any circumstances," says Detective Senior Sergeant Dalziel.

"Although some versions of the email do not specifically reference money, other similar scams involve the recipient being issued a ‘fine’ when they respond."

Detective Senior Sergeant Dalziel says while the nature and specific details of scams often varies, it’s important to note that Police and other government agencies will never contact you out of the blue and ask for your password, credit card or bank details.

Police have received several reports of this scam and enquires are underway.

Anyone who received this email can either forward the spam email to the Department of Internal Affairs directly at complaint@spam.govt.nz(link sends e-mail) or use their online reporting portal https://www.reportspam.co.nz

Police recommend taking a cautious approach to unsolicited emails. 

"Trust your gut instinct - if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t," says Detective Senior Sergeant Dalziel.

Information on other scams currently operating can be found on the Consumer Protection NZ website: www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/general-help/scamwatch

Consumer Protection NZ, along with Netsafe, also provides helpful advice about keeping safe online.

Anyone who has received this email can report it to police online via https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105.

Please reference file number 240830/5842.