A Facebook post promising $10 phone credit is causing problems for the New Zealand AIDS Foundation (NZAF).
The post, which tells users to call an 0800 number to get credit, has resulted in hundreds of calls to an NZAF helpline over the past 24 hours - creating extra work for staff, and blocking the line for those who need HIV testing, counselling and free condoms.
Comments on the Facebook posts confirm the number was chosen on purpose, apparently for comedic effect.
NZAF CEO Dr Jason Myers is upset with the stigma this creates.
"Using HIV or AIDS as a punchline only serves to create additional stigma. This not only harms people living with HIV but also deters people from coming forward for an HIV test."
"Stigma and discrimination lead to higher rates of mental health issues and even suicide."
"HIV is not a joke and acts this only add fuel to the fire."
This is the first time the NZAF has been targeted by scam like this.
Myers suggests people get behind NZAF's latest campaign instead of engaging with the post.
"Anyone with time to share harmful posts like these could instead redirect their energy to our upcoming fundraiser, 'Sweat with Pride'," says Myers.
"Sign up to raise money to fight the ongoing stigma our Rainbow communities face."
He says New Zealanders have a lot of work to do to understand HIV.
"42 percent of Kiwis surveyed in 2018 said they would feel uncomfortable having their food prepared by someone living with HIV."
"We clearly have a long way to go before the general public understands the risks of acquiring HIV in 2020 and what it is to live with the virus in the era of successful treatment."
