The commonest scams include emails asking you to send money to a friend or organisation, letters saying you’ve won a prize, or calls or visitors saying your computer needs fixing or your house needs painting. They’re run by people trying to steal money or get your information.
If a stranger tries to sell you something, beware. If an offer sounds too good to be true, or sounds weird, it’s almost certainly a scam.
A bank or Inland Revenue will never contact you to ask you to confirm your password, credit card or account details.
How can I protect myself?
Scammers can sound very plausible. So it’s best not to give any information about yourself to strangers – especially on the phone, at your door, or on your computer. Put the phone down, close your door, or delete the email.
Genuine businesses won’t put pressure on you. They’ll be happy to prove who they are. They’ll let you speak to a manager, and they’ll give you time to consider what you want to do.
Check with your relatives or friends if you’re not sure whether something’s a scam.
How can I protect other people?
Tell relatives, neighbours or the police if you think there’s a scammer around.
The Scamwatch has a list of the latest scams: http://www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz
Concerned about your privacy?
Phone 0800 803 909 or email enquiries@privacy.org.nz
