New Zealand / Technology

RealMe targeted in email scam

06:41 am on 8 March 2018

The country's cyber security agency says the government's online identification service, RealMe, is being targeted by an email scam.

Photo: 123RF

The agency, Computer Emergency Response Team (Cert NZ), said an email link takes users to a fake RealMe site that asks for proof of identity, such as a passport or driver's licence, to be uploaded.

A RealMe account can be used to apply for government jobs, renew passports, or update electoral roll details.

Cert NZ said a genuine RealMe email contains a "govt.nz" address.

It said anyone who has uploaded proof of their identity because of an email from a scam account should contact the Department of Internal Affairs if they have passport concerns, or the Transport Agency in relation to a driver's licence.