A recent report found that email and text messaging remain the dominant vectors for financial deception as scam encounters continue to impact New Zealanders.
- Email accounts for 59% of scam encounters, remaining the primary channel for fraudulent outreach in New Zealand.
- Text messages and phone calls represent 44% and 27% of encounters respectively, targeting everyday transactions like job searches and online shopping.
- Only 42% of individuals who reported losing money managed to recover or reimburse some or all of their funds.
Almost three-quarters of adults, or 73%, stated they are confident they can recognise a scam, the report found. However, 44% of those who encountered a fraudulent approach went on to interact with it.
Of the individuals who interacted with a scam, 23% either lost money or had personal information used to steal funds. The study pointed out that individuals ought to be capable of shopping online, searching for employment, or replying to bank communications without needing to master the art of spotting fraud.
Because fraudulent approaches happen so often in New Zealand, safeguarding users falls on every company that facilitates those routine tasks.
Businesses must do more to protect consumers from increasingly convincing scams, according to Carey. Greater investment in prevention, clearer reporting processes and stronger collaboration across industries are required.
“We are calling for greater investment in prevention, clearer reporting processes and stronger collaboration across industries,” said Carey.
Companies likewise need to weigh what occurs after a buyer falls prey to fraud, where transparent reporting channels and reachable assistance are vital to mitigating additional damage. Anyone asking for assistance ought to easily grasp where to submit a report, what potential remedies exist, and what additional help can be accessed.
Confusion about those steps adds to an already difficult experience.
Nearly three-quarters of those who encountered a scam, representing 74% of respondents, reported the incident to someone. Victims are far more likely to tell friends or family at 51% than the police at 17%.
Of those who reported losing money, 42% had some or all of it recovered or reimbursed.
| Scam Channel | Encounter Rate |
|---|---|
| 59% | |
| Text Messages | 44% |
| Phone Calls | 27% |
The research highlighted the challenge posed by increasingly convincing scam messages and scenarios. Familiar brands and seemingly genuine communications make it harder for people to know who to trust.
Carey said that firms now have a chance to enhance identity checks, refine client messaging, and guarantee guidance aligns with real-world scenarios people face.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
