There isn’t a day that doesn’t feature a news headline appearing around someone getting scammed out of their hard-earned savings. Last year Netsafe recorded $35 million of kiwi’s money lost from scams.
So, when our friends at the Office of the Banking Ombudsman’ asked Netsafe to participate in their new documentary series about scams, I had to say Yes. The documentary series comes in four parts with renowned clinical psychologist Nigel Latta talking about the scamdemic NZ is facing.
Set to air on TVNZ on 3 July, this program aims to expose the unsettling ease with which scammers exploit unsuspecting individuals, while also providing invaluable insights on how we can arm ourselves against their deceptive tactics.
Nigel Latta uses genuine scam cases and crafted experiments to unveil the unveils the psychological techniques employed by scammers to prey upon human vulnerabilities. By analysing the interplay between human behaviour and manipulation, she explains emotions like compliancy can be skilfully exploited, resulting in severe financial and emotional consequences.
In each episode, the show dives into two of the most prevalent types of scams that Face New Zealanders. Impersonation, phishing, investments, fraud, extortion, remote access breaches, romance, no stone will be unturned to expose all the dirty tactics employed by scammers.
The first episode provides the opportunity to listen to an actual call made by a scammer pretending to be a bank fraud employee. The conversation is analysed by our Chief Online Safety Officer Sean Lyons and Nigel Latta. Together they reveal how even the most basic information about a victim can be manipulated to coerce unsuspecting individuals into divulging highly personal details.
‘You’ve Been Scammed’ will be an unmissable series for the NZ community. Nigel’s expertise, combined with the insights from other cyber security and safety communities will expose the dirty tactics that are causing kiwis to lose millions.
To protect Yourself also check out our Scam resources:
Scam Detection and Prevention Guide: Netsafe’s comprehensive guide equips you with the knowledge and tools to identify and prevent scams effectively. It covers various types of scams, warning signs, and preventive measures. You can access the guide at: https://www.netsafe.org.nz/scam-detection-prevention-guide/
Online Safety Advice: Netsafe’s website features an extensive collection of articles and advice on online safety. This includes specific information on scams, how to recognise them, and steps to take if you encounter one. Explore their online safety advice section at: https://www.netsafe.org.nz/advice/
Report a Scam: Netsafe encourages individuals to report scams they have encountered. By reporting scams, you contribute to the collective effort of combating online fraud. To report a scam or seek further assistance, visit: https://www.netsafe.org.nz/report/ Online Safety Helpline: Netsafe operates a helpline where you can seek guidance and support regarding online safety issues, including scams. Our knowledgeable and friendly team is available to assist you. Contact the helpline at: https://www.netsafe.org.nz/contact-us
