Consumer Protection is raising the awareness of online scams and cold callers pretending to fix computer issues, the key message is to remain vigilant
Knowing how to spot a scam is one of the best ways to protect yourself in today’s digitally-enhanced world and the focus of this year’s Fraud Awareness Week, says Consumer Protection says.
Fraud Awareness Week is a weeklong cross-government initiative aimed at getting people talking about scams. It runs from today until Saturday, 18 November.
Consumer Protection manager Mark Hollingsworth said New Zealanders fall victim to scams every day, with Netsafe data showing over 7,500 reported scams for 2016, which resulted in a loss of $11.7 million.
Hollingsworth said common scams included phishing emails and cold-callers claiming to be able to fix computer issues.
“These statistics highlight the need for everyone to know what to look out for to stay safe. Fraud Awareness Week is an opportunity to bring this global issue into the limelight in New Zealand; to focus on educating consumers about how to spot a scam in everyday scenarios.
“Our main message to consumers is to remain vigilant; be suspicious, don’t engage with scammers, and do your research before handing over any personal or financial information.
“Asking yourself, have I been contacted unexpectedly, does it seem strange, is the offer too good to be true, or do the contact details appear to be illegitimate, before taking action will help you to recognise a scam,” says Mr Hollingsworth.
Consumer Protection has developed a range of materials, including a How to spot a scam video and a Fraud Awareness Quiz, for consumers to access at the dedicated Fraud Awareness Week 2017 webpage.
Related stories:
Convicted mortgage frauster released on parole
SFO names group charged for alleged mortgage fraud
Fraud Awareness Week is a weeklong cross-government initiative aimed at getting people talking about scams. It runs from today until Saturday, 18 November.
Consumer Protection manager Mark Hollingsworth said New Zealanders fall victim to scams every day, with Netsafe data showing over 7,500 reported scams for 2016, which resulted in a loss of $11.7 million.
Hollingsworth said common scams included phishing emails and cold-callers claiming to be able to fix computer issues.
“These statistics highlight the need for everyone to know what to look out for to stay safe. Fraud Awareness Week is an opportunity to bring this global issue into the limelight in New Zealand; to focus on educating consumers about how to spot a scam in everyday scenarios.
“Our main message to consumers is to remain vigilant; be suspicious, don’t engage with scammers, and do your research before handing over any personal or financial information.
“Asking yourself, have I been contacted unexpectedly, does it seem strange, is the offer too good to be true, or do the contact details appear to be illegitimate, before taking action will help you to recognise a scam,” says Mr Hollingsworth.
Consumer Protection has developed a range of materials, including a How to spot a scam video and a Fraud Awareness Quiz, for consumers to access at the dedicated Fraud Awareness Week 2017 webpage.
Related stories:
Convicted mortgage frauster released on parole
SFO names group charged for alleged mortgage fraud
