Understanding Scams

What is a scam?

In today's digital age our online interactions, from scrolling through social media to making purchases, are fraught with risks from deceptive schemes and scammers.

An online scam is any deceptive scheme delivered through digital communications with the intent to steal money or personal information.

If you suspect you’ve encountered an online scam, you’re not alone—New Zealanders lose millions of dollars to scams each year. At Netsafe, we understand online scams and have put together some fundamental tips to help you identify and avoid them.

Signs that you might be targeted by a scam:

Unexpected Contact: Even if the message appears to be from a legitimate organisation like a bank or internet provider.
Technical Issues: Claims of problems with your phone, laptop, or internet, often offering to fix them.
Requests for Passwords: Legitimate organisations never ask for your passwords.
Verification Requests: Avoid clicking on links or responding to messages asking you to verify your account details.
External Payment Requests: Avoid transactions outside of established platforms like Airbnb.
Upfront Payments for Rewards: Offers of prizes or money that require a "processing" fee.
Requests from Online Friends/Partners: Never send money to people you have met online.
Untraceable Payment Methods: Scammers often request payments via prepaid debit cards, gift cards, bitcoins, or money transfer systems.
Remote Access Requests: Never grant remote access to your device unless you have initiated the request.
Urgent Decisions: Scammers often pressure you to act quickly to avoid a negative outcome or to seize a supposed opportunity.

Tips for avoiding scams online

Pause and seek advice

Scams often succeed due to timing, such as coincidentally addressing a pre-existing issue. Always pause and seek advice before proceeding.

Research the story

Perform online searches to verify details provided by the person contacting you. Confirm the legitimacy of the organisation by using official contact information, not what was provided in the suspicious message.

Stop, challenge, protect

STOP: Pause and think before responding to any requests for money or information.
CHALLENGE: Ask yourself if the offer or request could be fake and if it seems too good to be true.
PROTECT: Safeguard your information, contact your bank if you suspect a scam, and report the incident to Netsafe for support.
and report the incident to Netsafe for support.

Following these guidelines can help you stay safe and avoid falling victim to online scams.

Always remember, it’s okay to refuse or ignore suspicious requests. Stay informed and vigilant.

Contact Netsafe

If you think you've been the target of a scam you can report it to Netsafe.

Whether you’re dealing with online bullying, an account compromise, a romance scam that has caught you off guard or simply need some advice about something happening online, we are here to support you. Our service is free, non-judgmental and available seven days a week.

Report online

Email [email protected]

Text 'Netsafe' to 4282

Call 0508 638 723 8am-8pm weekdays, 9am-5pm weekends

New Zealanders overseas can call +64 9 666 0840

You can also report scams to the Police, keeping in mind that if it is likely the scammer is overseas and if money was sent offshore – it is unlikely the money will be recovered.

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