Keeping your info safe from Scammers – Voluntarily

While you’re sharing information in an online space you could be open to attacks from Scammers. There are many good resources to help you keep your information and personal identity safe.

Things to watch for Phishing emails or texts:

pretending to offer information updates
pretending to offer free access access to testing centres
asking for you to enter your personal information
asking you to click on links

When you click on the link, a malicious software is installed on your device or computer. This allows scammers (online offenders who steal information) to steal your passwords, access your email accounts and download your personal information such as bank account details.

Never click any links unless you trust the sender. Hover your mouse over the link to check whether it looks odd. If you're not sure, it's best to delete the email.

Report suspicious emails or texts to the government cybersecurity agency: cert.govt.nz

Do not accept:

Offers of a ‘coronavirus map’ app to track the pandemic. This app downloads malicious software into your device.
Cold calls that offer an opportunity to invest your money in industries such as pharmaceuticals, or in ‘safe havens’ such as gold. These are illegal in New Zealand. Hang up and report the number and business name to the Financial Markets Authority: fma.govt.nz
Phone calls from scammers pretending to be health officials asking for your personal information, or saying they have test results but need your credit card details to process a payment.

More detailed advice is provided by the CFFC (Commission for Financial Capability) here: https://www.cffc.org.nz/news-and-media/news/beware-of-coronavirus-scams/

Research NZ states 72% of New Zealanders have been the target of some kind of scam, either online or by telephone.

Netsafe announced $10 million in scam losses in 2017. That figure was eclipsed by the end of the first quarter of 2018 – $12.5 million had already been reported scammed from New Zealanders' bank accounts. Scams are increasing in number and sophistication, run as businesses by cartels who funnel money overseas to fund organised crime.

The scammers are smart and unregulated – if one scam or tactic doesn't work, they simply change the game plan or set new rules.

Visit this page for more details on how Scammers operate and how to detect and deflect a Scammer:

https://www.cffc.org.nz/building-wealthy-lives/frauds-and-scams/