Scams

Scams and Fraud

• Phishing Scams

  Phishing scams can be hard to spot, especially as scammers get more sophisticated.

  How Phishing works:

  • Gathers information- Scammers will collect names, email address and phone numbers from online sources.
  • Sending mass emails- Send bulk emails that mimic legitimate entities like banks or businesses.
  • Enticing offers or scare tactics- promises of prizes, warnings of urgent issues like service cancellations or legal consequences.
  • Requests for sensitive information via email- attached documents, links to fake website or contact details in the email.
  • Installing malware- clinking links or opening docs to install malware on your device.
  • Collecting Details- asking for sensitive information like bank details, passwords etc.
  • 'Spoofed' emails- emails that look like they come from a legitimate business.

  Be cautious of emails that:

  • Offer deals that seem too good to be true
  • Have spelling and grammatical errors
  • Include suspicious hyperlinks
  • Urge you to act immediately
  • Come from an unfamiliar email addresses
  • Are from senders you don't recognise
  • Come from companies you haven't interacted with
  • Feature logos that look incorrect

  Types of Phishing Scams:

  • Email- Random emails asking you to authorise fake transactions.
  • Spear Phishing- Targeted emails customised for specific individuals or organisations.
  • Whaling- Targeting high- level management for valuable information.
  • Smishing- Phishing via text messages, impersonating entities like banks.
  • Vishing- Phone call scams involving direct communication or automated messages.

  How to protect yourself:

  • Be cautious of emails asking you to update or verify details.
  • Be wary of emails claiming you've won prizes from unknown competitions.
  • Ignore emails asking for personal information like passwords or banking details.
  • Only open attachments when you're expecting them.
  • If unsure- contact the organisation through official channels (not the contact details in the email).
• Warning Signs

  Scams affect people of all backgrounds, ages and incomes across New Zealand. We are continuously getting bombarded with tactics from scammers and at some point, we may be vulnerable to a scam.

  One way to protect ourselves is being able to recognise the warning signs of a potential scam. Click here for more information.

• Card Skimming

  Skimming occurs when an illegal device is installed on an ATM or point-of-sale (POS) terminal.

  This illegal device captures card data (e.g. card number) and the cardholder's PIN number.

  This data is then used to create a cloned card which is then used to make fraudulent cash withdrawals and purchases from the cardholder's bank account.

  If you believe your card has been used somewhere that had a skimming device installed please report to the Police immediately.

  If you have had unauthorised transactions on your account contact us.

  To avoid having your card skimmed, where possible either insert or paywave to make a purchase.

• Phone Scams

  Remember: First Credit Union will never ask you for your Internet passwords or ask you to download any remote access software! 

  Recently there has been an increase in fraudsters posing as fraud teams from various banks in an attempt to get your information and gain access to your account. Click here for more information.

• Email Attachments

  New Zealander's are currently being affected by malware campaigns which spread through attachments or links in emails. Click here for more information.

• Hyperlinks

  Sending a hyperlink is a common tactic used by scammers, according to cybersecurity agency CERT NZ. When receiving an email take the time to ensure that the email is legit before clicking on any hyperlinks. Scam and phishing attacks can be focused on getting your bank account details.

  First Credit Union will never contact you asking for your Internet Banking password and/or PIN. If you have any concerns about an email you have received, get in touch- we are here to help!

• Text Messages

  It's best to act with caution!

  Text message scams change all the time. 

  Common scam text messages include:

  • The sender trying to scare you into thinking some of your information has been stolen/exposed
  • A link that requires you to enter personal or financial details 
  • Trying to convince you that they are a third party asking you to confirm some of your details/make a payment

  If you are unsure about a text message you have received, DO NOT click on any of the links (if provided) and contact the company that has supposedly sent the text to confirm it is legit.