Police say an extortionist threatening Chinese businesses in Auckland with gang violence is now targeting businesses in Canterbury.
The caller, speaking Mandarin, claims to be part of an Asian gang and makes threats to the families of business owners, demanding money.
Police say the calls appear to come from an overseas location - and are a scam to get money put into foreign bank accounts.
Businesses are being warned not to give bank details or pin numbers.
The Asian Crime Unit is investigating.
