• Published 13/11/2023
  • Read Time: 2 mins

13 November 2023

  • General

This week is International Fraud Awareness Week, and TSB is adding its voice to the global fight against fraud.  

We’ve all seen in the news this year just how prevalent fraud and scams are in our everyday life. The latest figures from CERT NZ show that reported financial losses between April and June totalled $4.2 million.  

Everyone is vulnerable to being scammed, regardless of age or tech savviness. So, Fraud Awareness Week is the perfect time to remind ourselves, our friends, and whānau how to stay safe.  

Here are our top tips to stay safe online and in real life:  

Spread the word 

Talk to your friends and family about recent scams you have heard about. Raising awareness is key to preventing yourself and others from being drawn into a scam.   

Watch out for links in emails and text messages 

If you unexpectedly receive a message, don’t click links or attachments, and don’t engage by replying to the message. Check directly with the business on their publicly available number if you’re unsure.   

Regularly check your transaction history in your bank account 

Look for any suspicious or unknown payments.   

Be wary of cold calls 

Don’t be afraid to say no. If you receive a call and are unsure about who you are talking to, hang up and call the business back on their registered number.  

Act quickly 

If you think you have given your bank details to a scammer, or your account is compromised, contact us immediately.   

Be extra careful shopping online 

Stick to websites you trust, and check they have valid contact details and payment systems. 

Click here to learn more about staying safe, what to do if you think you’ve been scammed, as well as the latest scams to look out for.