Scam texts have become part of everyday life in New Zealand. Most of the ones I see when helping people follow the same few patterns, and once you know them they’re much easier to spot.
The most common scam texts
- Parcel and courier: “Your parcel couldn’t be delivered, pay a small fee to reschedule.”
- Tolls and fines: “You have an unpaid toll, pay now to avoid a penalty.”
- Bank alerts: “Unusual activity on your account, verify your details here.”
- Refunds: “You’re owed a tax refund, claim it here.”
- “Hi Mum” or “Hi Dad”: a message from an unknown number claiming to be your child with a new phone, then asking for money.
The warning signs
- It creates urgency: pay now, act today, your account will be locked.
- It asks you to tap a link, then enter card details, a password or a code.
- The link doesn’t match the real organisation’s website, or is a strange short link.
- It comes from an unknown mobile number rather than the company’s usual name.
- It asks you to keep it secret or not to call.
Banks and government agencies won’t text you a link asking for your password, PIN or a code that was sent to your phone. If in doubt, don’t tap the link. Open the app or type the website address yourself, or call the number on the back of your card.
What to do with a scam text
Don’t reply. You can forward scam texts for free to 7726, the Department of Internal Affairs scam text service, then delete them. For a “Hi Mum” message, call your child on the number you already have for them.
What if I already clicked?
- If you entered bank or card details, call your bank straight away.
- If you entered a password, change it, and change it anywhere else you used the same one.
- Turn on two-step verification for your email and banking.
- You can report it to the National Cyber Security Centre (formerly CERT NZ) for advice.
Clicking a link on its own is usually less serious than typing details into the page it opens, but it’s still worth having your phone checked if something seems off.
Need a hand?
I help people across Wellington get their phones and accounts set up safely, and I teach scam awareness as part of my tech lessons. If you’re worried something’s been compromised, book a visit or text me on 020 453 2233.