File image. Photo: 123RF
Scams are constantly evolving and becoming increasingly sophisticated, the New Zealand Bankers' Association says.
It comes as the organisation launches a new campaign to encourage Kiwis to "take a sec to check" before transferring any money or giving out personal information through the bank.
"We're encouraging everyone to take a moment before making a payment or giving away personal information, just to be sure it's not a scam," New Zealand Bankers' Association chief executive Roger Beaumont said.
"Scams are a form of financial crime. They are constantly evolving and increasingly sophisticated."
Beaumont said scams usually involve criminals masking themselves as a trusted person or organisation before persuading people to make payments or give their personal information to them so they can access bank accounts.
"We know there's no silver bullet when it comes to fighting financial crime. We also know it pays to be alert, know what to look out for, and how to deal with it. If you take a sec, you might save yourself from being scammed," he said.
"We're running this campaign over the summer break when people are more relaxed and might take a moment to think about scams and how to keep themselves safe."
New Zealand Bankers' Association safety tips:
- Stay alert
- Be alert to texts or emails. Never click on links in unsolicited emails or text messages. Report and delete suspicious messages
- Be wary of cold calls asking for personal details or money. If an unexpected phone call seems suspicious, hang up and call the business back using its publicly available phone number
- Keep up to date with the latest scams to help recognise the warning signs
- Be proactive
- Use unique, long passwords and change these regularly. Keep all passwords and security codes secure - don't disclose these to anyone
- Never give a stranger remote access to your computer or device
- Safeguard your devices by keeping operating systems and apps up to date
- Take your time
- If someone is pressuring you to do something, it may be a sign they're trying to scam you. Take your time and check out who you're dealing with before providing your details or sending any money.
- Report any suspected scams to your bank.