Scams

Latest Scams

Latest Scams

Netsafe has compiled this information from the Domain Name Commission’s latest scams page and from our scam information collected from our helpline data. This includes a list of companies, agencies, and organisations that have listed the latest scams using their names and/or brands. Netsafe greatly appreciates scam reports as they help contribute towards the collection…

Plain language romance scams

Plain language romance scams

Netsafe and Spectrum Care have written this plain language romance scams guide. It offers advice for people with an intellectual disability, and those who support them. You can read our other plain language guides here.  Romance scams: plain language guide Finding friends online can be fun. Sometimes, that friendship can turn to love. Sadly, some people…

Facebook Trading Scams

Facebook Trading Scams

Facebook helps you keep up with family and friends and share what’s going on. It’s also home to popular local ‘buy and sell’ groups, and Facebook pages for businesses. Although a lot of these pages and sellers are genuine, there are some people who use marketplace and trading scams to target people on Facebook. We’ve…

Tax Scams

Tax Scams

Tax scams spike during important dates in the tax calendar. Find out more about common tax scams such as refund emails and overdue tax calls now. When does tax scams peak? Netsafe receives an increased number of scam reports about tax year-round, although these reports often spike around important dates in the tax calendar. This includes dates…

Tips to avoid scams

Tips to avoid scams

People in New Zealand are losing millions of dollars to scammers each year – and this is just the figures reported to Netsafe so  the actual figure is likely much higher. There are often similar characteristics to most scams so we’ve put our advice together to help you. Netsafe’s Guide to Scam Spotting An online scam…

Understanding delivery scams

Understanding delivery scams

With more people shopping online, many opportunistic scammers are targeting internet users by sending emails and text messages that impersonate delivery companies. These are called these parcel delivery scams. They are designed to obtain the personal or financial details of the person receiving them. Variations on this type of scam can see people receiving a…

Don’t be an egg

Don’t be an egg

Sadly we know scammers hop into Easter with hollow promises set to cause pain and we’re warning people to be careful when it comes to online scams. Reports to Netsafe have gone up 360 percent over the past four Easter periods making this the most dangerous weekend for the community in terms of online criminal…

COVID-19 Scam Spotting

COVID-19 Scam Spotting

Netsafe is urging people to be vigilant to opportunistic scammers looking to profit from COVID-19. We’ve seen first-hand how scammers are using COVID-19 as the lure to engage people. Our tips might help you protect yourself and your family. What does a COVID-19 scam look like? While the scams are different in nature and continue to…

Prize & Sweepstake Scam

Prize & Sweepstake Scam

If you’ve received a text message or email claiming you’ve been selected to take part in a survey or receive a prize/lottery, you might be the recipient of a prize scam. Find out what these scams may look like and tips to help you stay safe online. WHAT ARE PRIZE SCAMS Prize scams try to…