If you think you’ve been the victim of an investment scam here’s what to do.
Stop all contact
Stop all contact with the scammer immediately. Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails or letters from the scammers.
Stop paying them
Do not make any more payments to them in the hope you will get some of your money back. Once you have lost money, scammers often pretend to be an overseas enforcement agency that can return your money for a fee. John’s story shows how scammers prey on victims hoping to get their money back.
Contact your bank
Contact your bank immediately. They will have a policy to deal with fraud. If you have sent money through another bank or transfer service, contact the service you used.
Report the scam
Reporting is important. We can give you advice specific to your situation or put you in touch with someone who can. Reporting also helps others avoid this kind of scam as reports enable us to track trends and issue warnings. Report the scam to us on 0800 434 566 or use our online complaints form. If you or someone else is in danger, call 111.
Talk about what happened
Telling your friends and family about the scam is one of the best ways to take action. It can be hard, but sharing your story is worthwhile because scammers rely on people being secretive. Every person you talk to will be better prepared to avoid scams in the future.
Support is available
Victim Support 0800 842 846 victimsupport.org.nz
12 steps to getting your life back on track
Think someone you know is being scammed?
Scams are usually carefully planned by the people who run them. A person caught in a scam could be unaware of what’s happening, or may not want to believe they are being scammed.
The team at Scamwatch has developed a worksheet you can use to help a friend or family member understand they have been scammed and to take action.
Help a friend or family member worksheet
