The digital age has brought incredible convenience to our lives, but it has also opened the door to a surge in online scams. In 2023 alone, Kiwis lost nearly $200 million to these fraudulent activities. It’s time to take action and protect ourselves from becoming victims.
Key Facts:
• Financial Impact: Scams cost New Zealanders nearly $200 million in 2023.
• Common Scams: Phishing, investment scams, invoice scams, bank impersonation, and online shopping scams are the most prevalent.
• Emotional Toll: Beyond financial losses, scams can lead to feelings of shame, embarrassment, and a decline in online confidence.
Government and Industry Response:
• Government Action: The Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs has called on the banking industry to implement stronger protections, including a confirmation of payee system by the end of 2024.
• Banking Measures: Banks are enhancing security measures, running awareness campaigns, and exploring voluntary compensation schemes for scam victims.
How to Stay Safe:
• Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Requests: Never click on links or attachments from unknown sources. Verify the sender before providing any personal information.
• Use Secure Websites: Ensure the URL starts with ‘https’ and look for a padlock symbol in the address bar.
• Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with common scam tactics. Resources like Netsafe’s ReScam tool can help you recognise and avoid scams.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect you’ve been scammed, contact your bank and report the incident to Netsafe immediately.
Resources:
• Netsafe: A trusted helpline for reporting scams and getting advice (netsafe.org.nz).
• Consumer Protection: Offers tips on avoiding scams and what to do if you’ve been scammed (consumerprotection.govt.nz).
• BNZ Scam Savvy: Provides information on current scams and how to protect yourself (bnz.co.nz).
Staying vigilant and informed is our best defence against online scams. Share this post to spread awareness and help protect our community.
Remember, anyone can fall victim to a scam, and there’s no shame in reporting it. Let’s work together to make the internet a safer place for everyone.