Scams

Internet scams come in a variety of different forms and there can be many variations on one particular type of scam. If you are unsure if something is a scam or not, you can send a query to NetSafe and check out the 'Scamwatch' section of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs website. They have a listing of scams targeting New Zealanders. If you have received a scam that is not yet on their site, you can report it on their website and then delete it. If you have been scammed, and would like to share your story, you can email info@mca.govt.nz.

What can I do if I have been scammed?
There are several organisations dedicated to helping out people who have been scammed. If you are not sure who is the best person for you to talk to, you can contact the NetSafe staff on our toll-free helpline, or by email:

0508 NETSAFE (0508 638723)
queries@netsafe.org.nz

Click here for more information about what you can do if you have been scammed.

How can I avoid being scammed?
One way to keep yourself safe is to know what's out there. Below are some of the scams we've encountered, but remember, as old scams become well-known, new ones pop up. Your best defence is still common sense and a little bit of caution. Click here for some tips to avoid being caught out by online scams, and read about some of the different types of scams, by clicking on the links below.

Online auction scams
Scammers often focus on people buying or selling good via online auctions. Be aware of some of the recent scams, and know what an online auction transaction should look like, by taking a look at our online auctions page. Click here for more information.

Phishing scams
These scams are designed to trick people into giving away sensitive information, such as online banking details. Click here for more information.

Lottery scams
If you've received notification that you have won money in an online lottery, and you haven't bought a ticket, you may be being targeted for a lottery scam. Click here for more information.

The 'Nigerian' letter
A well connected professional wants to give you money - but it has to be kept secret and they need your account details? Look too good to be true? Click here for more information.

Estate scams
If you receive contact from someone claiming that a long lost relative has passed away, leaving you lots of money, stop and think before you respond. Click here for more information.

Online banking scams
Received an email that someone may have obtained your personal banking details? This scam claims that all you need to do to address this security breach is to enter your logon and password into a site to verify your account details. Click here for more information.

'Additional email added to your account' scams
Received an email claiming that an extra email address has been added to your account, giving access to another user? As with online banking scams, these scams ask you to logon to a website to address a security breach, all the while gathering your banking logon and password. Click here for more information.

Pyramid schemes (scams)
Offers to make as much money as you like for little effort should be met with scepticism. There are a number of online scams claiming to work by others' sales generating profit for you (pyramid schemes). these are illegal in New Zealand and often result in you losing money. Click here for more information.

Scams targeting businesses
Individuals and businesses alike can be the targets of scams. Click here for more information.

Job offers by email scams
Receive an unsolicited job offer via email? Be aware of email scams using high paying jobs as bait. Click here for more information.

Job offer scams in legitimate job vacancy publications
Scammers are now advertising in legitimate employment publications. Be aware, these scammers are not just online. Click here for more information.

Click here for information on how to make your online transactions safer.