Stay safe online
How to spot
a scam call or email.
Scammers targeting New Zealanders are getting more convincing. Here's what to watch for, in plain English.
Warning signs
Things a scammer will do.
Create urgency
"Your account will be suspended today" or "act now" pressure — real organisations rarely demand instant action.
Ask for remote access
A caller claiming to be from Microsoft, Spark, or your bank asking to remotely control your computer is almost always a scam.
Request payment by unusual means
Gift cards, cryptocurrency, or bank transfers to "fix" a problem are major red flags.
Ask you to keep it secret
Genuine businesses don't ask you to hide what's happening from family or your bank.
What to do
If something feels off.
- Hang up or close the email — you can always call the organisation back on a number you look up yourself
- Never install software or grant remote access to someone who called you unexpectedly
- Check with a family member or call us before acting
- Report scams to CERT NZ or Netsafe
Had a suspicious call or email?
Send it our way — we'll tell you honestly if it's safe.