Help with scam SMS/TXT

In recent years we have unfortunately seen an increase in fraudsters trying to defraud New Zealanders via scam SMS’s. Scammers can be very sophisticated, so if you think you have received a scam SMS, then you need to report it.

Please remember to never give out personal information if you unsure who the SMS sender is - this means do not share your bank account, credit card details, login detail or passwords if you think you may have received a scam SMS.

When you report a scam SMS to us, we’ll investigate this and try to block the number or sender if possible.

SMS scams are an industry-wide issue, which all telcos are working to combat. One NZ is a signatory to the TCF's Scam Prevention Code.

A significant scam text was the Flubot malware, which infects Android phones, and this was very active during 2021 and 2022.

What to do if you think you’ve received a scam SMS.
If you receive an unexpected SMS/Txt that seems strange or suspicious, the best action to take is:

1. Don’t tap on any website links shown in the SMS. This may cause malicious software to be installed on your device or take you to a fake/phishing website which may request your personal details.
2. Call the company. If a message says it’s from a particular company, ring the company (find their number online, don’t call the number the SMS was sent from) and alert that company about the SMS you have received. They will let you know if it was a legitimate SMS.
3. Report it to us. Please report any instances of suspected scam SMS’s calls to us via the form below (if we are your telecommunications provider) so we can investigate the matter and block the number if necessary. The more information you can provide the better, which ideally includes the date, time and phone number that sent the SMS to you.
4. Report it to Netsafe. All scams should also be reported to Netsafe , regardless if it was an internet, phone, SMS or other type of scam. Even if you were not tricked by the scam, reporting it can protect others. Please report a scam to Netsafe here.
5. Report it to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) by forwarding the SMS to 7726. When you report a message, the content of the reported text along with the phone numbers of both the sender and recipient are shared with the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), and all New Zealand mobile network operators. This data is only used to investigate scams, block malicious senders, and protect customers across New Zealand networks in accordance with DIA privacy guidelines. For more information on reporting text spam and how your report is handled, visit the DIA reporting TXT spam page at: https://www.dia.govt.nz/Spam-Report-TXT-Spam

If you receive another sort of scam

Please report all suspected fraud to Netsafe, and you can find more information at the links below:

• For more info on email fraud
• For more info on hoax TXTs
• For more info on scam phone calls from an industry perspective, please go to the TCF