Keeping safe from scams
Scams continue to evolve, and New Zealanders are losing significant amounts of money to fraud every year.
Fraud and Scams in 2025
In the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment's first Reported Fraud Monitor, New Zealand lost $265 million to fraud in 2025, with nearly half involving authorised payments where people were tricked into sending money themselves.
The three biggest scam categories were:
▪️Compromised login details and credentials ($84 million)
▪️Fake products and services scams ($76 million)
▪️Relationship scams ($31 million)
Recent scam reporting also shows some clear trends emerging across New Zealand banks over the past month. While the tactics vary, most scams rely on creating urgency, trust, or excitement to lower people’s guard.
Latest scam trends
Fake Facebook groups and “free” classes
One growing trend involves fake Facebook advertisements promoting free Tai Chi classes, walking groups, dance class or other community wellbeing activities.
These advertisements often look harmless and community-focused but are designed to trick people into downloading apps containing hidden malware, allowing scammers to access personal information including passwords and banking details.
A good rule of thumb? If an app download is required for something that shouldn’t realistically need one, pause before clicking.
QR code scams
Another scam trend gaining traction is “Quishing” which is a mix of QR codes and phishing.
Scammers use fake QR codes to send people to fraudulent websites designed to steal login details, payment information, or personal data.
When scanning a QR code:
- Check the QR code is from a reputable source
- Be cautious of urgent payment requests
- If redirected to a login page, double-check the website address carefully
Fake texts and emails pretending to be trusted organisations
There continue to be reports of phishing text messages and emails pretending to come from organisations including NZ Police, NZTA, Ministry of Justice, Banks, or other financial providers.
These messages often claim you have an unpaid fine or suspicious activity on your bank account, and if you don’t take immediate action by clicking a link and logging in, or making a payment using the link, your account will be locked.
The goal is to create panic, so people act before thinking.
Remember:
- Legitimate organisations won’t pressure you into immediate payment by text
- Don’t click links from unexpected messages
- Go directly to the official website or app instead
How to protect yourself
Scams are becoming more sophisticated, but a few habits can dramatically reduce risk:
- Slow down before acting on urgent requests
- Never share passwords or one-time verification codes
- Be cautious downloading apps from social media ads
- Double-check website addresses before logging in
- Contact organisations directly using official contact details if unsure
Scammers rely on people reacting quickly. Taking a moment to stop and verify can make all the difference.
If you think you have been targeted by a scam and your PCU banking details may have been compromised, please contact us as soon as possible by calling us on 0800 429 000.