Francesca Rudkin: We know scams are increasing- it's time to take them seriously

Scam stories aren’t new. We hear about scams constantly, but recently there has been an increase of scamming stories in the news. The cautionary twist seems to be that the people who’ve been  scammed are tech savvy people who are surprised they’ve been successfully tricked.   

We know scams are increasing. Latest statistics from Cert NZ show cyber crime reports increased 12 percent in the first three months of 2023 compared to the previous three months. Financial losses from cyber crimes were up 66 percent to almost $6 million.  

We’re aware of it and we’re constantly reminded to be careful - but it just keeps getting worse.  

At the end of June the Ministry of Justice released the Crime and Victim Survey, based on data collected in the 12 months between November 2021 and November 2022. 

Fraud and deception crimes increased from 288,000 in the previous year to 510,000. Around 10 percent of adults were victims of fraud and deception crimes, that’s about 423,000 people. 

I’m one of those who thinks they know enough not to fall victim. I’m aware of the latest text and email scams circulating - recently pretending to be the NZ Police, Waka Kotahi – New Zealand Transport Agency, NZ Post, Inland Revenue, and the banks. 

Last week I received a message from Waka Kotahi asking me to click a link to update my car’s registration. A quick trip to the car in the driveway confirmed this wasn’t legit.  

I know to never disclose my PIN, passwords or personal information to anyone over the phone - even if they claim to be the police, or my bank.  

So you know, I feel confident I won’t be tricked.

This was until I watched the first episode of Nigel Latta’s new show You’ve Been Scammed. In this new series, Latta explains why we are susceptible to scams, the tricks used and the different types in circulation.  

He starts by saying: “9 out of 10 of us think we can spot a scam”.  

We’re badly mistaken. Scams are getting much more sophisticated and by the end of the first episode my confidence was shaken. That’s what Latta wants - confidence and complacency are what make us vulnerable.  

NZ banks and the Banking Ombudsman are working together to try and keep consumers safe. The Banking Ombudsman said in 2022 that bank data estimated New Zealanders were losing about $200 million each year to fraudsters. It is important banks keep working to prevent scams and fast-track resolution of scan related complaints. It’s better for both banks and their customers.  

But equally, we need to take more individual responsibility. It’s time to shake off our complacency - sort out our passwords, get two-factor authentication in place, and acknowledge how much information is exposed by our social media activity.  

But most of all, the message I’m getting is that if you get a message that’s in any way out of the blue, unexpected or new, don’t do anything - don’t click, don’t respond, don’t continue the conversation. 

For an introvert like me this feels like something I can happily do. 

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