19/12/2023
Be on guard and be careful. A year ago, one of our staff received a text message like this from an Australian mobile number regarding a tax refund. Luckily, our staff asked around first upon seeing this message.
Netsafe’s telltale signs to spotting a scam:
· Contact that is out of the blue – even if the person says they’re from a legitimate organisation like the bank, an embassy or your internet provider.
· Getting told there’s a problem with your phone, laptop or internet connections – often they will offer to fix your device or say they are from your phone or internet company.
· Being asked for passwords – legitimate organisations will never ask for the passwords to your online accounts.
· Needing to verify your account or details – don’t respond or click on any links in the communication even if it looks like it’s from a real organization.
· Trying to get you to move outside of an online trading or booking website or app (like Air BnB) – don’t pay outside of the normal website or app processes.
· Offering money or a prize in exchange for something up front – they might say that it’s a “processing” fee or something similar.
· Being asked for money by friends/partners you’ve met online – this is a very common tactic, do not pay the money.
· Unusual ways to pay for something – scammers try to use payments that can’t be traced such as pre-loaded debit cards, gift cards, bitcoins, iTunes cards or money transfer systems.
· Asking for remote access to your device – never do this unless you have actively sought out the service they are providing.
· Pressuring you to make a decision quickly – this could be to avoid something bad (e.g. account being closed, trouble with the IRD) or to take advantage of something good (a deal or investment).
There is heaps of advice about scams on the netsafe.org.nz website.