Fraud Awareness Week

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

This Fraud Awareness Week we are encouraging Kiwis to take a moment to stop and think ‘is this for real?’ when contacted unexpectedly and asked for personal info.

New Zealand Police's Financial Intelligence Unit estimates New Zealanders lose $20-30 million annually to scams.

HOW TO AVOID A SCAM:

+ A genuine bank or organisation will never contact you to ask for your PIN, password or to move money to another account.

+ Never click on a link in an unexpected email or text – you could be giving access to your personal and financial details.

+ Always question uninvited approaches in case it is a scam. Instead, contact the company directly using a known email or phone number.

+ Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic – just because someone knows your basic details (name and address, or mother’s maiden name) it doesn’t mean they are genuine.

+ Don’t be rushed into making a decision or financial transaction on the spot – a genuine bank or trusted organisation would never do this.

+ Listen to your instincts – if something feels wrong then it generally is.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam you can contact Police and report the matter via 105.

For more info on how you can prevent yourself, family and friends from being scammed, visit:

More messages from your neighbours

The Summer Kiwi Quiz is back by popular demand

Summer Kiwi Quiz - 2026

Grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper between 1 Jan - 28 Jan and participate in the Summer Kiwi Quiz! Test your knowledge, answer the daily New Zealand based questions, and find out how well you know our beautiful country!

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The Team at Stuff Enter Here