Posts by Citizens Advice Christchurch Area
929 days ago

Be aware of text messages that are Scams

The Team from Citizens Advice Christchurch Area

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.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
3 days ago

Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎉 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?

Image
Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
  • 10.4% Yes! New Year, New Me
    10.4% Complete
  • 19.9% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
    19.9% Complete
  • 69.6% Nah - not for me
    69.6% Complete
787 votes
15 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

Image
13 days ago

Poll: Are you starting to feel a lift in business confidence across the Canterbury region?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Press reports that Canterbury is right in the middle of a construction boom, with activity forecast to peak around 2027 and major investment flowing into transport, water and energy infrastructure.

We want to know: Are you starting to feel a lift in business confidence across the Canterbury region?

Image
Are you starting to feel a lift in business confidence across the Canterbury region?
  • 43.1% Yes
    43.1% Complete
  • 56.9% No
    56.9% Complete
102 votes