Scammers call and message people across the North Shore every week. Careful, sensible people still get caught, because the scammers are good at what they do. Here's what to look out for.
The usual tricks
- "I'm calling from Microsoft / your internet provider / the bank." They say your computer has a virus or your account has been hacked. Real companies don't cold-call you about this.
- A pop-up with a phone number. A loud, scary warning tells you to call "support" straight away. The warning is fake, and so is the number.
- "Install this so I can help." They ask you to install an app that gives them remote control of your computer.
- A refund that went wrong. They claim they've refunded you too much and need you to send the difference back.
- Gift cards or crypto. No real business asks to be paid this way.
The golden rules
- Never let someone who called you onto your computer.
- Never read out codes sent to your phone by text.
- If in doubt, hang up and call the company back on a number you find yourself.
If you've already let them in
- Disconnect the computer from the internet, or just switch it off.
- Call your bank straight away if you shared card or banking details, or logged into online banking while they were connected.
- Change your email password from a different device.
- Bring the computer in. We remove the remote-access software and anything else left behind, and help you secure your accounts. See virus & malware removal.
You can also report scams to CERT NZ.
Would you rather we sorted it?
Bring it in any weekday morning, or book a time online.