Where to report
spam and scams
Online scams and spam (unwanted email, fax, SMS TXT and other instant messages that
are commercial by nature) can be reported to CERT NZ, NZ Police, The Department of
Internal Aairs, Netsafe or individual telecommunication agencies who all share the
responsibility of dealing with online harm. Each organisation covers a specific area of
content and has a role to play in protecting people from online scams and spam.
Have you lost money in a scam?
If you have been the victim of an online scam where you have
lost money
►
contact NZ Police at 105.police.govt.nz
Getting threats from an online scam?
If you have been the victim of an online scam where threats have been
made against you
►
contact NZ Police at 105.police.govt.nz
Has someone accessed your device
without your permission?
if you think any of your devices or online accounts have been
accessed by someone without your permission
►
contact CERT NZ at cert.govt.nz/individuals/report-an-issue
or call 0800 2378 69
►
contact NZ Police at 105.police.govt.nz
Stumbled on a scam website?
These can be hard to tell apart from the genuine websites - If you
stumble across a website oering free gis or amazing deals on
popular consumer items that seem too good to be true.
►
contact CERT NZ at cert.govt.nz/individuals/report-an-issue
or call 0800 2378 69
►
contact Netsafe at netsafe.org.nz
Has your business email
been compromised?
If your business email account has been accessed by someone
without your permission and is using it to issue scams or cyber
attacks
►
contact CERT NZ at cert.govt.nz/individuals/report-an-issue
or call 0800 2378 69
Has your device been infected
with malware?
If you’re device is infected by malicious soware sent to your device
through attachments and links
►
contact CERT NZ at cert.govt.nz/individuals/report-an-issue
or call 0800 2378 69
►
contact DIA at dia.govt.nz/Spam-Complain-About-Spam
an fill in the online content complaint form
Receiving text spam?
If you receive spam and nuisance text messages from
someone
►
contact DIA by forwarding the message to the
free shortcode 7726
Receiving phishing?
If you receive spam emails that attempt to get you to provide
them with your personal information
►
contact DIA at dia.govt.nz/Spam-Complain-About-Spam
an fill in the online content complaint form
► contact CERT NZ at cert.govt.nz/individuals/report-an-issue or
call 0800 2378 69
Receiving scam phone calls?
If you receive an unexpected phone call that seems suspicious
► contact your telecommunications provider
as well as Netsafe at netsafe.org.nz
For further information on reporting spam phone calls, visit the
tcf.org.nz/consumers/digital-living/stay-safe-online/phone-scams
Not sure about what to do next?
If you’re looking for information and advice for yourself or others
caught up in scam, or to ensure you remain safe in the future
►
contact Netsafe at netsafe.org.nz
Want information about your consumer rights?
For tips on how to make smart purchase decisions and guidance on how to confidently deal with things if they go wrong
►
Visit consumerprotection.govt.nz
Consumer Protection helps New Zealand consumers to be knowledgeable, protected and empowered through consumer rights information and
education, providing tips for making smart purchase decisions and guidance on how to confidently deal with things if they go wrong.
What to do if you’ve been scammed
If you think you have been scammed:
1. Stop all contact with the scammer - Once you realise you are being scammed, do not continue the conversation. Hang up the phone. Don’t
reply to emails or letters scammers have sent you. If you have been scammed online, block the scammer from contacting you.
2. Do not make any more payments – Some scammers target people caught in recent scams, e.g by pretending to be an enforcement agency
that can return all of your money for a fee. Don’t give money to anyone on the promise they will get your lost money back
3. Contact the bank or service you sent money through - If you are the victim of a financial scam, credit card scam or identity the, contact
your bank immediately. They will have a policy in place to deal with fraud. If you have sent money through another bank or transfer service,
it’s a good idea to contact the service you used.