Fraud Awareness Week: Stop, Check, Report
Fraud Awareness Week (16–22 November 2025) is part of a global initiative to reduce the impact of scams. In New Zealand, agencies including MBIE’s Consumer Protection team, the Financial Markets Authority (FMA), CERT NZ and Netsafe support the campaign. The aim is simple: to help people recognise scams early and take steps to protect themselves.
The campaign’s core message is: Stop. Check. Report.
· Stop before you share personal details, transfer money, or click on a link.
· Check that the request, message or website is genuine.
· Report suspected scams to the right authority so others don’t get caught.
These three steps are designed to make people pause before reacting to a potential scam, reducing the risk of financial loss.
Why scams are such a concern
Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Fraudsters often pose as trusted organisations, sending emails or texts that look official, or calling with convincing stories. Recent scams have included:
· Investment scams, promising high returns and using fake documents to look credible.
· Phishing emails and texts, which attempt to capture login details or card numbers.
· Romance and social media scams, which build trust over time before asking for money.
The FMA has also warned that KiwiSaver is a growing target, as it’s often a person’s largest financial asset. Because people tend to check their KiwiSaver investment less often than their bank accounts, fraudsters may see it as an easier target.
At the same time, the message is not about creating panic. KiwiSaver and other managed funds in New Zealand are generally well protected. The focus is on staying alert and taking simple steps to verify information before acting.
How this affects you
Whether it’s KiwiSaver, your bank accounts, or other investments, the takeaway is the same: take your time, double-check anything that seems unusual, and know where to report scams if you come across them.
If you’re ever unsure about a financial approach you’ve received, we encourage you to talk to us before taking action. Sometimes a quick conversation with an adviser can provide clarity and peace of mind.
Helpful guides and resources
Alongside this year’s campaign, there are some excellent resources available to help you spot scams and protect yourself:
· Consumer Protection Scamwatch
· FMA Fraud Awareness resources
· CERT NZ (cybersecurity incidents)
These guides are well-worth bookmarking or sharing with family and friends.
By knowing the signs and remembering to Stop, Check, Report, you can protect not just your money, but also your peace of mind.
The information contained in this publication is intended for general guidance and information only. It has not been personally prepared for you. Therefore, you should not act on this information if you have not considered the appropriateness of this information to your personal objectives, financial situation and needs. You should consult with us before making any investment decision. Historical market performance may not be indicative of future market performance.