NZ
Scams & Fraud
Latest New Zealand scams & fraud news and updates
Scams & Fraud
Auckland Painting Scam Leads to Arrest of UK National and Active Manhunt
A UK national has pleaded guilty to fraud and shoplifting charges in Auckland after a local couple was scammed out of $27,000 for uncompleted house painting. Police have issued an arrest warrant for his associate who fled the country.
Scams & Fraud
Financial Markets Authority Issues Alert on Swift Wave Global Ponzi Scheme
The Financial Markets Authority has issued a high-risk warning for Swift Wave Global, a Ponzi-style scam linked to the collapsed BG Wealth Sharing scheme. Regulators report over $150 million in global losses associated with this fraudulent network.
Scams & Fraud
QR code fraud surges in New Zealand as quishing threats double in two months
QR code-based 'quishing' scams have more than doubled in New Zealand, now making up 9.3% of all detected cyber threats. Scammers are currently exploiting a new NZ$2.54 import charge to trick mobile users into visiting fraudulent payment sites.
Scams & Fraud
Auckland Resident Recovers $19,300 After Sophisticated SIM Swapping Fraud
An Auckland man has recovered $19,300 after falling victim to a sophisticated SIM swapping scam that targeted his ANZ bank account. The incident has prompted One NZ to implement a new 15-minute delay on SIM transfers.
Scams & Fraud
Netsafe Reports Significant Spike in New Zealand Investment Scam Losses
Investment scam losses in New Zealand more than doubled to $81,500 in April 2026, with the average loss per victim surging to over $20,000 as deepfake technology becomes more prevalent.
Scams & Fraud
FMA and Westpac NZ Issue Urgent Warning Over Surge in Deepfake Social Media Scams
New Zealand's FMA and Westpac NZ have issued a major alert following a spike in AI-driven deepfake scams. With 64% of bank fraud now originating on social media, authorities are calling for greater platform accountability.