Fraud & Scam Prevention Notice
Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods to trick customers into giving away money or personal information. Staying alert is the best defence.
Common Scams
- Impersonation Scams and Phishing Messages: Fraudsters pretend to be your bank, government (e.g., IRD, Transport Authority, NZ Customs), courier companies (e.g., NZ Post), or trusted businesses. They pressure you into acting quickly and to click links, to “verify your account”, “reset your password”, or “confirm a payment”, download attachments, or share details (login, card numbers, passwords).
- Remote-access Scams: Someone asks you to install software so they can “fix” your device or “help” with a refund.
- Investment Scams: Offers that promise high returns with low risk, often involving crypto or overseas platforms.
- Romance and friendship Scams: Scammers build trust online before requesting money or gifts.
- Invoice & Payment Redirection Scams: Fake emails appearing to be from legitimate suppliers (e.g., builders, lawyers) with changed bank account details. Or scammers impersonate your boss/colleague requesting urgent payments.
How to Protect Yourself
- Stop and check: If something feels off, pause. Contact your bank using the number on its official website.
- Never share banking passwords or codes: We will NEVER call, email, or text you asking for your full password, PIN, verification codes, or to move money to a "safe account".
- Avoid clicking unexpected links: Type the website address manually or use your bank’s official app.
- Do not allow remote access to your computer or phone unless you initiated the request with a trusted provider.
- Verify payment requests: Especially for large transfers, invoices, or changes to account details. Phone the supplier/recipient using a known, trusted number (NOT from the email) before changing payment details or making urgent transfers.
- Use strong authentication: Enable two-factor authentication on banking and email accounts.
- Confirmation of Payee (COP): Use COP option on payments to verify payee name and bank account number.
If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
- Contact us immediately on 08009 95588.
- Change your passwords for email, banking, and any affected accounts.
Helpful NZ Resources
- Netsafe: www.netsafe.org.nz (Comprehensive scam info & reporting)
- National Cyber Security Centre (previously CERT NZ): www.ncsc.govt.nz (Cyber security threats & reporting)
- FMA - Scam Alerts: www.fma.govt.nz/consumers/scams
- Banking Ombudsman Scheme: www.bankomb.org.nz
- Scam watch :www.scamwatch.govt.nz or www.consumerprotection.govt.nz for up-to-date scam alerts and advice.
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