Cyber Security

Digital Safety: How to Avoid Online Scams

Jun 19, 2023 / 2 minutes read
Categories

Scammers have made it increasingly challenging to trust any email, phone call or text you receive.

At McIntyre Dick, we'll do all we can to safeguard our clients from fraudulent activitiesThis article aims to equip you with valuable insights, enabling you to discern and make well-informed choices regarding the credibility of emails, calls, and texts. Currently, several prevalent scams are in circulation, and we will shed light on a few of them below:


Tax Scams

In light of approaching balance dates, scammers attempt to impersonate IRD representatives via email. They promise tax refunds and ask for bank account information. 

It is not uncommon for our clients to receive emails from the IRD. To determine whether the email is genuine, look for these signs:

  • If you do have a tax refund the IRD will never include the actual amount of the refund in the body of the email. You will need to go onto the IRD’s website for this.
  • All emails from the IRD will come from an email address ending with @ird.govt.nz
  • In case you are still unsure, you can log into your MyIR account and check your messages to see if the email you received corresponds.


Delivery Scams

Recently, scammers impersonating delivery companies have sent text messages requesting a small amount of money so your package can be delivered. 

You will receive a text message that attempts to direct you to a website link and then asks for your credit card information.

In some cases, simply opening the website link can cause a malicious app to download on your phone trying to steal your information. 

It may seem daunting and like you will never trust or open a text again. However, this information is designed to help you identify and give you the information you need to know what not to do.

If you do receive a text like this firstly you should know that New Zealand customs do not contact individuals or businesses about paying import duty.

Imported goods are not physically received by New Zealand Customs but by warehouses run by licensed freight forwarders, known as Customs Controlled Areas. So, any text from New Zealand Customs should immediately raise red flags. 

You should do the following if you receive a message that you are unsure about:

  • Don't respond to the message and don't click on any links it may contain.
  • If the message names an organisation in New Zealand, and you believe it could be genuine, contact them at their publicly listed phone number. You should ask if the message was from them. If the message is not genuine, you can block this number from your phone so you won't receive it again, then delete the message. 
  • The same procedure applies to any email you suspect is from a scammer. The simplest way to block an email is to mark it as junk mail and your inbox will automatically filter this email to junk if it is received again. Then you can delete it from there. 

Be on the lookout for any strange emails, texts or phone calls you receive. If you are still unsure, contact the company directly so they can explain what is going on. The majority of companies will send out an alert when scammers impersonate them.

In addition to reporting new scams, the Netsafe website provides valuable information on how to identify scammers, protect your information, and what to do if you believe you have been scammed. 

Here at McIntyre Dick, we want our clients to feel safe and know that we are in their corner. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about any odd emails, texts, or phone calls and we will do our best to assist you.

Eden

Eden van Leeuwen

Client Advisor

Armed with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in accounting, Eden is our go-to guru when it comes to farm stats and student loans.