File photo. Photo: 123RF
Anglers should beware of a rogue website that is charging significantly high costs for fishing licenses, says Fish and Game New Zealand.
It said the website Fish Assistant had overcharged around 150 people, and in some cases not sent people the license they paid for.
The website was based overseas, and was not authorised by Fish & Game, said chief executive Corina Jordan.
"There is only one authorised place to purchase your fishing licence online, and that's the Fish & Game NZ website.
"We're concerned those people looking to buy a licence will pay a premium through the Fish Assistant website when they can easily buy one online for a reasonable price through Fish & Game.
"We're disappointed this website is pulling the wool over people's eyes by suggesting it is difficult to purchase a fishing licence in New Zealand when it is, in fact, very simple and quick."
Fish Assistant had also altered licences to remove the price, hiding the actual costs of purchasing them from Fish & Game - which was an offence under the Freshwater Fishing Regulations.
Fish and Game was also concerned purchasers' credit card details had been compromised because payments to Fish Assistant were not processed through an accredited system.
It encouraged anyone who used the Fish Assistant website to contact police and their bank.
