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New Zealand (NZ)

New Zealand is an English-speaking Pacific country known for high trust institutions, dramatic landscapes, outdoor life, and a pragmatic immigration system built around skills, family, study, and investment.

Capital: Wellington
Region: Oceania
Language: English
Currency: NZD (NZ$)
Cost of living: Expensive (index 75)
Emergency: 111
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Scam Warnings

Common scams targeting expats in New Zealand.

New Zealand is generally low-corruption and high-trust, but that trust makes scams effective. New Zealanders lost $265 million to fraud in 2025, with investment scams on social media the fastest-growing category. Newcomers are disproportionately targeted through rental pressure, immigration anxiety, bank impersonation, IRD refund messages, NZTA toll SMSes, marketplace payments, job offers, and romance or investment schemes. CERT NZ was fully merged into the NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre) in July 2024 — cyber incidents are now reported at ncsc.govt.nz/report. There is no fixed 14-day withdrawal right in New Zealand; consumer rights are based on the Consumer Guarantees Act (fitness for purpose) rather than a fixed cooling-off period.

IRD (Inland Revenue) Impersonation Scam

critical

Texts, emails, and social media ads impersonate Inland Revenue, claiming a tax refund is ready, a debt is overdue, or your myIR account is locked. In 2026, scammers used AI-generated images of the IRD Commissioner in fake social media investment ads. IRD received more than 3,000 scam reports in the three months to February 2026 alone.

How to spot it
  • - Any SMS or email from "IRD" or "Inland Revenue" containing a clickable link
  • - Fake refund notification asking for card or bank details to receive the refund
  • - Social media ad featuring IRD branding or imagery of government officials promoting investment returns
  • - Message threatens an overdue debt with immediate consequences unless you click to pay
  • - URL does not exactly match ird.govt.nz
What to do: Do not click any link. IRD only pays refunds directly to the bank account already on file and will never ask you to log in via a link in a text. Access your account directly at ird.govt.nz. Report phishing to IRD at phishing@ird.govt.nz and to the NCSC at ncsc.govt.nz/report.

Bank Impersonation and Remote Access Scam

critical

Caller claims to be from your bank's fraud team, the New Zealand Police Financial Crime Unit, or a bank security department. They warn of "suspicious activity" on your account and ask for one-time codes, card details, or remote-access software (AnyDesk, TeamViewer). Some then instruct you to move money to a "safe account" they control.

How to spot it
  • - Urgent unexpected call, even if caller ID looks like your bank's number — caller ID is trivially spoofed
  • - Asks for one-time passcodes or a card PIN number — your bank will never ask for these
  • - Requests installation of AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or any remote-access app
  • - Claims your money must be transferred to a "safe" or "holding" account for protection
  • - Pressure to act immediately and keep the call secret from family
What to do: Hang up. Call your bank using the number printed on the back of your card or in the official mobile app. Never share passcodes or install remote-access software. Report to your bank immediately and then to the NCSC at ncsc.govt.nz/report or Netsafe at netsafe.org.nz.

Fake Rental Listing / Bond Before Viewing

critical

Scammer copies genuine property photos from Trade Me or agency listings, claims to be overseas or too busy to show the property, and asks for bond, first rent, or an application fee before any real viewing. Auckland and Wellington housing pressure makes newcomers particularly vulnerable.

How to spot it
  • - Rent significantly below comparable listings in the same suburb
  • - Landlord is "overseas", "on a work trip", or otherwise unable to meet in person
  • - No in-person or live video viewing offered before any payment
  • - Pressure to pay immediately — "many other applicants are waiting"
  • - Bank account name does not match the landlord or agency name
  • - Listing disappears from the platform after you transfer money
What to do: Never pay a bond or advance rent without viewing in person first. Verify the property agent via the REA (Real Estate Authority) register at reaa.govt.nz. Ensure any bond is lodged with Tenancy Services (tenancy.govt.nz) — not held by the landlord. Report to Netsafe (netsafe.org.nz) and Police 105.

NZTA Waka Kotahi Toll Fine SMS Scam

critical

Fake SMS messages impersonating NZ Transport Agency (NZTA Waka Kotahi) claim you have an unpaid road toll and must pay a small amount immediately via a provided link or face a larger fine. The link leads to a phishing page that steals card details. Active and circulating in 2025–2026; NZTA maintains an active scam warning page at nzta.govt.nz/online-services/scams.

How to spot it
  • - SMS claiming an overdue NZTA toll, often for a specific small dollar amount (NZ$2.50–$15)
  • - Short payment deadline — "pay within 24–48 hours to avoid additional fees"
  • - Link domain is not nzta.govt.nz (e.g. nzta-tolls.com, nztapay.nz, nzta.service-nz.com)
  • - Tracking number does not appear in your actual NZTA account
What to do: Do not click the link. Check your actual toll balance directly at nzta.govt.nz or log into your account. Forward the scam SMS to 7726 (free, reported to your carrier). Report to the NCSC at ncsc.govt.nz/report and to NZTA at nzta.govt.nz/online-services/scams/report-a-scam.

Investment Fraud / Term Deposit Impersonation

critical

Scammers impersonate banks, licensed investment platforms, or finance companies offering unusually high term deposit rates or guaranteed investment returns. In 2026, IRD Commissioner imagery was used in fake social media investment ads. New Zealand has among the highest per-capita investment fraud losses in the OECD. Check every provider on the Financial Service Providers Register (fspr.govt.nz) before investing.

How to spot it
  • - High guaranteed return on a term deposit or investment, often 8–15%+ per annum
  • - Pressure to move funds quickly before the "offer closes"
  • - Lookalike bank branding and documents but money goes to a different legal entity or account
  • - Provider not on the Financial Service Providers Register at fspr.govt.nz
  • - No match on the FMA warnings and alerts list at fma.govt.nz
What to do: Check every financial service provider at fspr.govt.nz and cross-reference with FMA warnings at fma.govt.nz. Call the institution independently using a number from their official website — not a number provided by the person contacting you. Report suspected fraud to the FMA at fma.govt.nz and to Netsafe.

Unlicensed Immigration Adviser

critical

A paid adviser promises a job, visa, residence, or guaranteed approval without holding a licence from the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) or being a qualified New Zealand lawyer. Victims lose large fees and may have their immigration applications compromised by incorrect or fraudulent submissions.

How to spot it
  • - Adviser guarantees approval or offers an "inside track" at INZ
  • - No IAA licence number visible — licensed advisers must display this
  • - Requests cash, cryptocurrency, or payment to a personal account
  • - Uses personal or free-email domain only — no corporate email
  • - Discourages you from reading INZ instructions yourself or speaking to INZ directly
What to do: Verify any paid immigration adviser's licence at iaa.govt.nz/find-an-adviser. Only licensed advisers or qualified NZ lawyers may charge for immigration advice. Report unlicensed advisers to the IAA. File a complaint if you have been defrauded.

Migrant Worker Exploitation

critical

Employers offer visa support but demand cash-back of wages, require unpaid overtime, retain passports, charge for tied accommodation, or assign work entirely different from the visa-endorsed job. This constitutes migrant exploitation under New Zealand law.

How to spot it
  • - Employer retains your passport or Resident Visa documents
  • - You are required to return cash to the employer after payroll
  • - Threats about deportation or visa cancellation used to enforce compliance
  • - Work duties or conditions are materially different from the employment agreement
  • - No pay slips provided, or pay slips show a different (higher) amount than cash received
What to do: Keep copies of all documentation. Contact Employment New Zealand (employment.govt.nz/resolving-problems/migrant-workers), MBIE migrant exploitation reporting line (0800 200 088), your union, or Community Law Centre. Reporting exploitation does not automatically affect your visa status.

Job Offer Requiring Upfront Payment

critical

Fake employer or recruiter offers work and requires payment for visa processing, training fees, equipment, accommodation, or medical testing arranged through them. The job does not exist or the conditions are entirely different on arrival.

How to spot it
  • - No interview, or interview via text/WhatsApp only
  • - Offer comes from a generic or free email domain, not a corporate address
  • - Any upfront fee required before starting work
  • - Guaranteed visa or work permit as part of the deal
  • - Role is described vaguely or seems too easy for the salary offered
What to do: Verify the company independently via the Companies Register (companiesoffice.govt.nz). Accredited employers can be checked at immigration.govt.nz. Never pay a recruiter for a job offer. Report to Immigration NZ and Employment New Zealand.

Courier Delivery Fee / NZ Post Phishing SMS

warning

Fake NZ Post, DHL, Aramex, or Customs NZ messages request a small redelivery or customs clearance fee via a link. The link leads to a phishing page that harvests card details. The fee is usually under NZ$5 to appear plausible.

How to spot it
  • - Tiny fee (NZ$2–$10) requested urgently via SMS or email
  • - Short deadline — "your parcel will be returned in 24 hours"
  • - Tracking number does not appear on the real courier company's website
  • - Link domain is not nzpost.co.nz, dhl.com, aramex.com, or customs.govt.nz
What to do: Do not pay from SMS or email links. Go to the courier company's official website directly and enter the tracking number. Forward scam SMSes to 7726. Report to NCSC at ncsc.govt.nz/report.

Marketplace Shipping / Overpayment Scam

warning

Buyer or seller on Facebook Marketplace, Trade Me alternatives, or community groups sends a fake courier or payment link, or claims to have overpaid and needs a refund of the difference. Fake "overpayment" bank screenshots are generated digitally.

How to spot it
  • - Off-platform payment link sent via WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger
  • - "Courier will collect" story for items that should be picked up in person
  • - Overpayment claim accompanied by a screenshot — not a verified bank notification
  • - Refuses cash pickup or standard bank transfer, insisting on a specific payment method
  • - Very new profile or account with no verifiable history
What to do: Keep communications and payments on established platforms with buyer protection where possible. Never refund an "overpayment" until you have independently confirmed the original funds are cleared in your account — not just showing as received. Report to Netsafe and Police 105.

Romance and Emergency Money Scam

warning

A person met online through a dating app, social media, or a community group builds trust over weeks, then requests money for a travel emergency, hospital bill, customs release fee, or investment opportunity. Pig-butchering variants also active in New Zealand.

How to spot it
  • - Consistently avoids video calls or in-person meeting despite weeks of contact
  • - Urgent, unexpected crisis requiring immediate money transfer
  • - Requests secrecy — "please don't tell your family about this"
  • - Payment requested via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or international wire transfer
  • - Story involves the military, oil rigs, overseas medical crises, or customs holds
What to do: Do not send money under any circumstances. Talk to a trusted person offline — isolation and secrecy are the scammer's primary tools. Report to Netsafe (netsafe.org.nz / 0508 638 723) and Police 105 if money was lost.

Fake Government Fine or Police Warrant Call

warning

Caller claims you owe unpaid fines, have outstanding immigration violations, or face an arrest warrant, and demands immediate payment to avoid arrest or deportation. Payment is demanded by gift cards, cryptocurrency, or international wire.

How to spot it
  • - Unsolicited call threatening arrest, deportation, or licence suspension unless you pay now
  • - Demands gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer to resolve the "fine"
  • - Caller says do not hang up — this is a standard tactic to prevent you verifying the call
  • - Requests your passport number, bank details, or for you to download an app
What to do: Hang up. New Zealand Police, IRD, NZTA, and Immigration NZ do not demand immediate payment by phone, gift card, or cryptocurrency. Verify any genuine matter by calling the agency on the number from their official .govt.nz website. Report to Police 105 and Netsafe.

Reporting

Where to report: Cyber incidents: NCSC at ncsc.govt.nz/report (formerly CERT NZ, fully merged July 2024) or 0800 114 115. Online harm and scam advice: Netsafe at netsafe.org.nz or 0508 638 723. Crime: Police 105 (non-emergency) or 111 (emergency). Investment fraud: FMA at fma.govt.nz. Consumer / misleading trading: Commerce Commission at comcom.govt.nz. Immigration adviser fraud: Immigration Advisers Authority at iaa.govt.nz. Bank fraud: contact your bank immediately.

Consumer helpline: Netsafe: 0508 638 723 / netsafe.org.nz (Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00). Citizens Advice Bureau: 0800 367 222. NCSC report portal: ncsc.govt.nz/report.