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
Below is some of the advice we give to people who think they have been scammed.
- Keep copies of everything.
- Scan your computer with an anti-virus and an anti-spyware program (emails can contain viruses and spyware).
- Contact the police (depending on the case).
- If you have given away any sensitive information, such as your credit card number, or bank account password, contact your bank immediately.
- If you have given away any other passwords, make sure that you change them as soon as possible.
- Online auction sites like TradeMe and eBay can usually help out when a trade was conducted entirely through their website.
New Zealand Police
Contacting the police can be a good idea, but it is important to realise that sometimes the police may not be able to help, especially when the people conducting the scam are doing so from outside of New Zealand. If a person or property is in immediate physical danger, you should call 111 and ask to speak to the police. If the situation is not an emergency, you can contact your local police station. Click here to find the police station closest to you.
Consumer.org.nz
The Consumer.org.nz website has some useful tips and links on how and where to report scams. Click here to access this information.
Commerce Commission
If you have been dealing with a New Zealand business who you feel has breached the Fair Trading Act, you may wish to contact the Commerce Commission. Click here to find out if the Commerce Commission can help you.
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