Recognising scams

Learn more about scams, how to spot them, and what to do when you find them.

Report a scam What BNZ will never do

How to spot a scam

Unexpected contact

You may be contacted by someone you don’t know with an unexpected request. Or someone you know (or a scammer posing as them) sends you an unusual message.

Sense of urgency

Scammers want you to act quickly without thinking. They’ll often ask you to click on a link or send your account information immediately.

Generic greetings and sign offs

Scams might not be addressed specifically to you. Instead, they might start or end with a generic greeting such as “Dear Sir or Madam” or “The Team”.

Phishing messages and calls

You can forward suspicious BNZ-related emails and texts to phishing@bnz.co.nz.

If you suspect you’ve been subject to fraud, contact us on 0800 735 901 (international +64 4 473 5901).

Email scams

You receive an email that looks like it’s from a trusted organisation. It asks you to click a link or provide personal details. If you do, scammers install malware on your device or steal your information.

Text message scams

You get a text saying there’s a delivery issue, or a bank alert. It includes a link that takes you to a fake site where your login or card details are stolen.

Phone call scams

You get a call from someone claiming to be from Inland Revenue, your bank, or even the police. They say you owe money or your account is compromised. They pressure you to pay them or share sensitive details.

If someone claims to represent a familiar business, like BNZ, it’s best to hang up and call a verified number listed on an official website.

Investment scams

Watch our video to understand how investment scams work and to learn how you can avoid them.

Here’s what to do before investing money.

  • Do your own research on different investors first.
  • Contact investment firms using the details on their official New Zealand-based website, not through emails, links, or phone numbers found online or sent to you directly.
  • Make sure the investment firm is licensed by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and registered on the Financial Services Providers Register (FSPR). Registration usually gives you access to an independent Dispute Resolution Scheme if something goes wrong. If the firm isn’t registered in New Zealand, your protections are limited. 
  • Check the FMA warnings and alerts page to make sure the firm isn’t listed as a suspected scammer.

Other types of scams

These are other common types of scams, but scammers can approach you in many other ways. 

Romance scams

Someone connects with you online and appears genuine, but is actually using a fake identity. They gain your trust and eventually pressure you to send money for “urgent expenses” or share personal information.

Online shopping scams

You buy something online and pay for it, but the seller never sends it to you and breaks contact with you.

How to shop safely online

Cryptocurrency scams

Like an investment scam, you get a call or see an online ad proposing an investment opportunity. They ask you to invest or trade using cryptocurrency.

Help others stay safe from scams

If you want to get scam savvy, or help others do so, you can download or share our scam education brochure (PDF 907KB). 

Other helpful information

Own your online

This New Zealand government initiative gives New Zealanders and businesses information, alerts, and guidance on how to be secure online.

ownyouronline.govt.nz

National Cyber Security Centre

The NCSC provides cyber security services to large organisations, government, and operators of critical infrastructure.

ncsc.govt.nz

Netsafe

A source for online safety education for all ages, including targeted information for young people and parents.

netsafe.org.nz

What BNZ will never do

If you get a message that looks like a scam, make sure you know what the companies you deal with, will or won’t ask you to do. For example, BNZ will never:

  • email or text you links to online banking and ask you to log in
  • send you a text message with a link to a website, or link to call us
  • ask you for information about your PIN number, bank account number, or password
  • ask you to verbally share the authentication codes sent to you by text or email, even with a BNZ staff member
  • ask you to transfer money to help catch a scammer or a bank employee who is scamming customers
  • send you a text message about account issues with a link to log in
  • ask you to download software to access your Internet Banking remotely
  • use international phone numbers to call or send you notifications.