Chinese businesses in Auckland are being targeted by threatening phone calls from a man claiming to be from an Asian gang, according to police.
Takeaway outlets and Chinese medicine centres are being targeted.
Police say the man speaks Mandarin, making threats families and demanding up to $20,000.
Counties-Manukau Asian liaison officer Justin Zeng says businesses called should not panic and should note down all details of the call.
Mr Zeng says it is important that businesses do not give out bank details or PIN numbers.
The Asian Crime Unit is investigating and officers are being sent to businesses contacted.