New Zealanders losing more money to online credit card scams
Losses reported to Netsafe in October totalled $6264, compared to $1865 in September - a 220 percent jump.
In September, losses per incident averaged about $50, whereas the average loss last month was about $220.
However, the number of reports to Netsafe fell from 37 in September to 28 in October.
Netsafe chief online safety officer Sean Lyons said the sharp rise in financial losses suggested scammers were getting more sophisticated with their tactics.
"The quality of what people are being presented with is, on the whole, increasingly improving.
"Red flags we might've relied on previously - the spelling is wrong, it doesn't look right or I'm pretty sure that's not what the logo of this particular agency looks like - are becoming less valuable as a method for us to check whether something is a scam."
Credit card-related scams typically involve scammers collecting payment card numbers, and using them to make purchases or other payments online.
Lyons said people were being targeted via email, text, private instant messaging platforms - including WhatsApp - website and social media ads, and phone calls.
He said looking up an organisation's contact details and getting in touch with them directly was the best way to confirm whether a message was genuine.
"It might say that you have a payment due or a package waiting to be delivered.
"Don't be pressured into making a decision on the scammer's timeline. Step back, get advice from the people around you or give Netsafe a call.
"Make sure what you're engaging with is actually genuine and you're not being sucked into a scam."
With the festive season and Black Friday approaching, he said people should be extra vigilant, if asked to pay for something or if they saw an offer that seemed too good to be true.
"It's a time when people let their guard down a bit. When we are looking for deals or ordering and expecting the arrival of things, we can be more susceptible to these scams."
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Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
Aucklanders, we want to know: How are you feeling about the current property market?
New Zealand homeowners are now more likely to sell at a loss than at any time since 2013, and if you’re in Auckland or Wellington, the odds are even higher.
But there is a silver lining: buyers are still in a strong position when it comes to negotiating prices.
So we’re curious…
How are you feeling about the current property market?
If you’re keen to dive into the details, Deborah Morris breaks down all the latest insights.
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
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