Be aware of text messages that are Scams
So how does the scam work?
The message will look like it comes from a legitimate New Zealand agency like Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency), NZ Post, Inland Revenue, NZ Police or a Bank. It will often be sent by a number with either a 64 or 61 prefix at the beginning - country codes from New Zealand and Australia.
It will encourage you to click on a link and pay a bill or toll, sometimes to collect a cash prize.
Advice for dealing with scams
• Not all messages will look the same, as scammers change their wording over time.
• Do not engage with or click any links before you know a message is genuine.
• To check if a message is genuine, check directly with the people it came from. Go to the organisation’s website or check your online account directly.
• Scam messages commonly contain bad or irregular spelling and grammar. Use this as your first sign that this could be a scam.
• Never provide any card or personal details if you do click a bad link.
• If you have paid money already, speak to your bank as soon as possible and let them know what’s happened.
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.4% Yes! New Year, New Me
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20.8% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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68.7% Nah - not for me
Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!
Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?
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78.8% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
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21.2% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
Response to regifting presents
My mind tends to wander:
I do not see any problem with regifting it back to the person who gave it, they obviously liked it. In fact, that might work out well as you buy the present you want, then gift it to someone you know who will gift it back.
Perfect, no decision needs to be made about Xmas presents
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