Common Scams

Some scams are obvious, but others are sophisticated and hard to spot.

We're covering three that have recently caught members out with tips on how to spot the signs that someone is trying to trick you out of your money.

👨‍💻 Tech Support scams

Scammers pose as tech support agents from organisations like Spark or Microsoft with the goal of getting their hands on your money.

They’ll claim you have issues with your phone, internet or computer.

It could be related to a slow internet speed, a recent Fibre installation or trying to convince you that your modem, email or device has been hacked. Often using scare tactics and urgency, they’ll push you to go online and download an application to give them access to your computer so they can 'fix' it.

✅ Avoiding this scam

If you’re contacted out of the blue by someone claiming to be tech support or similar, hang up if they:

• Request your password
• Request your credit details
• Threaten to disconnect your broadband
• Tell you that you’ve been hacked
• Request access to your personal computer or laptop

➡️ Read more about these types of scams here.

📈 Investment scams

Investment scams cause significant financial loss for many New Zealanders.

This fraud begins with a cold call, email, or online ad promising high returns on term deposits. Fake comparison websites such as ratesfinder.co.nz and nzcomparerates.com can also collect personal details of potential investors.

These scams can be challenging to spot due to the sophistication of the fraudsters, who use convincing websites and legitimate-sounding people pretending they're an ‘Investment Advisor’.

✅ Avoiding this scam

• If you’re contacted by an ‘Investment Advisor’ and feel unsure about their authenticity, don’t engage in a conversation. Call the bank or financial institution the caller claims to be from, making sure to use the main number from their official website. Never use the contact number or websites provided by the caller.
• Be cautious of websites or online advertisements offering unusually high interest rates and requesting personal or financial details.

➡️ Read more about investment scams here.

🖥️ Online buying and selling scams

Online ‘buy and sell’ platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram selling accounts, Trade Me, and Viagogo are very popular with scammers.

These scammers pose as sellers, listing items they don’t have. Once they’ve made a deal and received payment, they’ll disappear without delivering the goods.

If you’re selling something online, you also need to beware of fake buyers pretending they've paid you for something by sending you a fake screenshot of a bank payment.

Scammers often create fake profiles or pages that appear legitimate, making them challenging to spot.

✅ Avoiding this scam when you're buying online

• Check a seller’s credibility by checking their reviews.
• Be careful when buying from someone with a new or incomplete profile.
• Use a secure payment method where possible.
• If the seller is local, ask to pick up the item so you can inspect it, and only pay once you’ve collected it.
• If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Take extra steps to verify the authenticity.

✅ Avoiding this scam when you're selling online

• Don’t rely on a screenshot of a payment from the buyer – check the money has landed in your bank account before you post or allow pick up of the sold item.
• Use regulated or official websites with protection for buyers and sellers.
• Never click on links from buyers claiming they’re confirming purchase or postage; this could be a phishing scam.

➡️ Read more about Facebook scams here.