Scammers target home users with phishing, fake support, romance fraud, and investment scams. Here are the top 10 scams to watch for and how to avoid them.
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Top 10 scams to watch for
- Phishing emails, fake messages that look like banks, IRD, or delivery services asking you to click links or enter details
- Fake tech support, pop-ups or cold calls claiming your computer has a virus and asking for remote access or payment
- Romance fraud, people on dating apps who build trust then ask for money or gifts
- Investment and crypto scams, promises of high returns, urgent deals, or “too good to be true” returns
- Fake invoices, bills for services you never ordered, often targeting businesses
- Prize and lottery scams, you’ve “won” but must pay fees or taxes first
- Identity theft, scammers collect your personal details to open accounts or make purchases in your name
- Impersonation, fake calls or emails from IRD, banks, or police demanding payment or personal info
- Fake job offers, work-from-home or easy-money jobs that ask for bank details or upfront fees
- Fake websites, sites that mimic real retailers or services to steal card details
How to avoid them
Don’t click links in unexpected emails or texts, open your bank or IRD site directly in the browser. Don’t give remote access or pay for “tech support” you didn’t request. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication on email and banking. If something feels off, slow down and verify via a trusted number or website (not the one in the message). Report scams to NetSafe (netsafe.org.nz) or CERT NZ.
Quick summary
Be sceptical of urgent requests, unexpected prizes, or people who ask for money or remote access. When in doubt, verify through an official channel before acting.
Need Professional Help?
Worried about online scams and fraud? 365wiz provides security awareness training and online security services to help you and your family stay safe from cybercriminals.
