Is That Message a Scam?
Scammers are getting smarter. Learn how to spot them and use our free tool to check if a message, email, or phone call is suspicious.
Scam Checker Tool
Paste a suspicious message, email, or describe what happened
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The Golden Rules
Never give your PIN, password or one-time codes to anyone.
No government agency or bank will demand immediate payment by gift card.
If in doubt, hang up and call back on a number you already know.
If something seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
Common Scams in NZ
8 types listedHover over a card to highlight it — click to see the warning signs and what to do.
Grandparent / Family Emergency Scam
A caller claims to be your grandchild, nephew, or other relative who is in trouble — arrested, injured, or stranded — and urgently needs money sent before you can tell anyone in the family.
Click to see warning signs ↓
Warning Signs
- ▸Voice sounds unusual — they may claim to have a cold or injury
- ▸They beg you not to tell other family members
- ▸Urgently ask for cash, gift cards, or a wire transfer
What to do
Hang up and call your relative directly on a number you already know. Verify before sending anything.
Romance Scams
Someone befriends you on social media or a dating site, builds a relationship over weeks or months, then asks for money for an emergency — medical bills, travel costs, or being 'stuck overseas'.
Click to see warning signs ↓
Warning Signs
- ▸Person is very attractive in photos and always has an excuse not to video call
- ▸Relationship moves very fast — intense affection very quickly
- ▸Eventually asks for money, gift cards, or crypto
What to do
Never send money to someone you haven't met in person. Report to Netsafe at netsafe.org.nz.
Investment & Crypto Scams
Scammers promise incredibly high returns on investments in crypto, shares, or managed funds. They may use fake celebrity endorsements or pressure you to invest more money over time before disappearing.
Click to see warning signs ↓
Warning Signs
- ▸Promises of guaranteed high returns with no risk
- ▸Pressure to invest quickly before the 'opportunity' expires
- ▸Celebrity faces used to promote the scheme
What to do
Check the FMA (Financial Markets Authority) register at fma.govt.nz before investing.
Online Marketplace Scams
Fake buyers or sellers on TradeMe or Facebook Marketplace. Sellers may take your money and never send the item. Buyers may overpay with a cheque and ask for the difference back.
Click to see warning signs ↓
Warning Signs
- ▸Price is significantly below market value — 'too good to be true'
- ▸Seller insists on payment via bank transfer only before you see the item
- ▸Buyer sends a cheque for more than the asking price and asks for change
What to do
Meet in person for local sales. Use TradeMe's secure payment options where possible.
IRD or Government Impersonation
Emails or calls claiming to be from IRD, ACC, or MSD saying you owe a tax debt or are owed a refund. They may threaten legal action unless you pay immediately or provide personal details.
Click to see warning signs ↓
Warning Signs
- ▸Urgent demand for immediate payment or personal information
- ▸Threats of arrest, fines, or legal action if you don't comply
- ▸Requests to pay via gift cards, Bitcoin, or unusual methods
What to do
Contact IRD or the government agency directly using their official website (ird.govt.nz).
Tech Support Scam
Someone calls claiming to be from Microsoft, Spark, or 2degrees saying your computer has a virus and they need remote access to fix it. They will charge a fee and may install malware.
Click to see warning signs ↓
Warning Signs
- ▸Unsolicited call about your computer or internet connection
- ▸They ask to download software (like AnyDesk or TeamViewer) so they can 'fix' it
- ▸They ask for payment via gift cards, bank transfer, or crypto
What to do
Hang up. Microsoft and ISPs never cold-call customers about computer problems.
Fake Parcel Delivery Texts
A text arrives claiming to be from NZ Post or CourierPost saying your parcel could not be delivered and you need to pay a small re-delivery fee (often $3–$5) by clicking a link.
Click to see warning signs ↓
Warning Signs
- ▸You receive a text about a parcel you weren't expecting
- ▸The link does not go to nzpost.co.nz or courierpost.co.nz
- ▸You are asked to enter credit card details for a tiny fee
What to do
Do not click the link. Track parcels directly at nzpost.co.nz using your tracking number.
Bank Impersonation Calls
Scammers call pretending to be from your bank — ASB, ANZ, BNZ or Westpac — claiming there is suspicious activity on your account. They will ask for your internet banking password or a one-time code sent to your phone.
Click to see warning signs ↓
Warning Signs
- ▸Caller asks for your PIN, password, or a code sent by text
- ▸They create urgency — 'Act now or your account will be frozen!'
- ▸The caller ID looks like it could be your bank
What to do
Hang up immediately. Call your bank directly using the number on the back of your card.
Need Help? Contact These Organisations
Netsafe
New Zealand's online safety organisation. Report scams and get advice.
Phone: 0508 638 723
Visit Website