How to spot common online payment scams
Most scams borrow urgency and familiarity. Slowing down is often the most valuable defence.
Treat unexpected messages carefully
Delivery notices, tax refunds and bank alerts that demand immediate action deserve a pause—especially if the link is unfamiliar.
Verify on a separate channel
Call your bank or the company using a number from their official website, not the number inside a suspicious message.
Protect payment approvals
Never share one-time passwords or remote-access control with someone who contacted you first.
If money has moved
Contact your bank quickly, record what happened and report the scam through the appropriate New Zealand channels.
Next step
Use this guide as a starting point, then confirm current details with your bank, KiwiSaver provider, insurer or a qualified New Zealand adviser. Gi Unit is operated by Gi-Unit GmbH and publishes general information only.