In our modern world of smart phones, apps and online commerce, the risk to consumers of scams and fraud has never been higher. With so much of our lives conducted over the internet, it’s important to ensure you know how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from online scams or attacks.
Today’s scams are more sophisticated and are delivered via the very platforms we use every day, making them more likely to sneak through our defences. Scammers may target people for large sums of money, but also increasingly for small amounts that might fly under the radar.
They attack via constantly evolving approaches, making scams increasingly harder to spot. Both local and international criminal groups operate with the goal of eliciting money or stealing your personal information. They can trick you into parting with personal or business details that they can use to:
- Gain access to your financial accounts
- Steal your identity
- Buy goods or services
- Access your business networks or systems.
Here in our safety hub, you can learn about how to identify and avoid scams, protect your personal information, and prevent identity theft both online and offline. Find more info on common types of scams, tips for keeping your information safe and cross agency scam prevention measures in place to ensure Kiwis are safer online. Scams hurt all of us, so make sure you know how to protect yourself and your loved ones by identifying and reporting scam behaviour.
Key tips to protect yourself online
Scammers may contact you by email, text, or phone, posing as legitimate businesses. They often imitate businesses you trust and use regularly, such as your bank, internet or telecommunications provider.
Being online is part of our daily lives as we work, bank, shop and stay connected with friends and family. Connectivity is making our lives easier, but there are risks. Don’t wait until you become the victim of cybercrime – protect yourself today.
Think before you click:
- Avoid clicking links in texts where possible
- Scammers want to rush you, stop and take a moment to check the sender address.
- If in doubt, contact the company directly and get them to check the person is really who they say they are.
Protect your personal information:
- Use a password manager to create long, strong and unique passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication and keep your software updated
Report suspicious activity:
- Report SMS messages to the DIA via 7726 for free
- Report phone scams to your telecommunications provider
- Report website scams to National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
If you have been targeted by a scam:
- Stop all contact with the scammer
- Do not make any more payments
- Contact the bank or service you sent money through
Other online safety resources
Netsafe is New Zealand’s independent, non-profit online safety charity. Taking a technology-positive approach to the challenges digital technology presents they provide loads oif practical tools, support and advice for managing online challenges.
Created by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), Own Your Online is part of the New Zealand government’s work to raise understanding of cyber security issues for individuals and businesses. Find out how you can get help if you’ve been affected by an online scam or incident, why being safe online is so important, and how you can stay secure online.
Learn more about how to recognise, avoid, and act against scams, protect personal information, and prevent identity theft both online and offline with tips from the team at Consumer Protection.
Find information about investment scams, how to protect yourself from scammers, how to report a scam, examples of real life scam stories and a list of current scam warnings.
NEW ZEALAND POLICE INTRODUCTION TO CYBERCRIME AND THE INTERNET
Includes some guidelines to keeping yourself safe online and where to get help when things don’t go to plan. Recognise scam types, protect your children when they are online, and know where to get help when people post things about you online.
2degrees backed by Netsafe NZ have launched the new goodtings.nz website to teach parents and kids about the good tings and the bad tings about phones. Focusing on first phone users and parents, you’ll find advice, informational articles and numbers to call if someone you know is having a hard time online.
The Little Black Book of Scams has been produced by the Commission for Financial Capability (CFFC) to give New Zealanders a new weapon in their defence against scammers. Read or print the booklet which details different types of scams, how to avoid falling for them, and what to do if you’re caught.
Being a parent or caregiver in the digital age can be challenging. Here you will find tools and advice to help you ‘keep it real online’ with your children and young people.