More New Zealanders are falling victim to scams than
ever, according to new research from Bank of New Zealand
(BNZ).
In the last year, four in five people have been
targeted by a scam and more than a quarter have fallen
victim to one, up seven percent on the year prior.
Businesses are also feeling the brunt with 47 per cent of
them falling victim in the last year, up from 21 per cent
the year prior.
The research comes as the bank
launches its annual Scam Savvy Week to raise
awareness, help people know what to look for to spot scams,
and stay safer online.
BNZ Head of Financial Crime,
Ashley Kai Fong, says “Scams are rising, year-on-year, and
as they climb, so does the toll on New Zealanders and the
trail of destruction left in the wake.
“Scams
don’t just damage our finances. They cause hurt, shame,
and embarrassment to their victims and they erode trust and
confidence in brands, businesses, and
organisations.
“The best defence against scams is
you. If you know what to look for and can recognise the
signs of a scam, you’re less likely to fall victim. This
Scam Savvy Week, we’re urging people to take a look at the
tools and refresh themselves so they can be better
protected,” says Kai Fong.
Kai Fong is also asking
people to report when they’ve been targeted by a scam or
fallen victim to one.
“So many of us are suffering
in silence with only half of victims…
