What is Scamwatch ?
Scamwatch is an online service operated by the Ministry of
Consumer Affairs to warn
New Zealand consumers about specific types of financial scams from
overseas sources.
We also provide information on how to spot various types of
scams. To keep up to date on the types of scams in global
circulation we stay in regular contact with overseas consumer
agencies.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs does not have enforcement powers
to investigate local or overseas scams.
If it’s too good to be true, it probably is!
Scams which target New Zealand consumers are
growing every day. But, one premise that remains true for nearly all
scams is “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is!”
Scammers try and get their hook into you by making
promises that will never be delivered. There are some key telltale
signs that an offer could be a scam:
- Scams come out of the blue
- Scams sound like a quick and easy way to make
money
- Scams tell you there is almost no effort or
risk
- Scams ask you to give personal information such
as your banking details
- Scams sound just too good to be true.
General tips on how not to get scammed
- Don't get sucked in by the hype or the "requirement" to 'act
today' - take time to think about it and to check out the offer
and the company.
- Don't get sucked in by statements such as, "this scheme is
legal". Statements like this need to be read with care. You need
to ask yourself why such a statement is necessary.
- Don't believe claims that it is approved by the Ministry of
Consumer Affairs or Commerce Commission. Our agencies do not
approve or endorse schemes.
- Don't send money away - particularly to only a PO Box number
or overseas - until you have checked out the company
- Don't invest money without first seeking independent
professional advice.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs is interested in
receiving reports from people who
have responded to, or lost money to a scam. We will treat your
email confidentially and remove your personal details before posting
your story on our site. These stories will
then be posted on this website.
Useful links
New Zealand
Australia
Canada and USA
UK
|
![[To this page's content]](../images/transparent.gif){kind=small}
