Page last updated: 07 October 2024

Report a scam

Report the scam to the FMA if you suspect you've been targeted by an investment or financial scam.

On this page you will find the warnings signs of a scam, how to avoid falling into an investment scam trap, what to do if you've been scammed and contact details for how to get in touch with us.

Report a scam

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Targeted by an investment scam?

When to contact us

  • Contact the FMAif the scam relates to an illegal investment offer or scheme.Please ensure you include your contact details so that we can be get in touch with you.
  • Consumer Protection NZ publishes a list of scam alerts on their Facebook page.
  • Department of Internal Affairslists a range of scams by format, e.g., email, text message, phone, fax and postal scams. You can report scams to them, including forwarding text message scams to 7726 (SPAM).

Information you should provide us

We will investigate the scam based on the information you provide alongside our own enquiries. Please provide us with as much information as possible, including:

  • A brief overview of what’s happened, the amount you have lost, who was involved (name, websites etc.) and how you were contacted.
  • If available, please provide any supporting information such as emails, screenshots, brochures, pdfs and any relevant links.

We may reach out to you for further information. Please ensure you include your contact details so that we can get in touch with you.

We are unable to help with the recovery of your funds, but we can give you advice and would encourage you to get in touch with your bank or transfer services as soon as possible. We are limited in what we can do if the scammers are overseas, but if they are in New Zealand, we can investigate and warn others.

Report a scam

Actions to take if you've been scammed

  1. Stop all contact with the scammer. If they phone, hang up. If they send emails or letters, don’t reply. If you maintain contact, they will only try to get more money or information out of you.

  2. 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 to do that.

  3. Tell family or friends what’s happened.It can be hard to admit that you’ve been tricked and lost money, but scammers rely on this shame and secrecy because it helps them keep scamming others.

  4. Report the investment scam to the FMA

  5. Contact Victim Support via their website or by phoning 0800 842 846. They can provide free emotional and practical support and information.

Latest warnings and alerts

False social media advertisements – Pension loans (multiple accounts)
The FMA is aware of fake pension loan advertisements circulating on social media targeting New Zealanders nearing retirement age.
Network of fake online investment platforms – Suspected scam
The FMA has become aware of a large network of fake online investing platforms including 247marketgain Limited, ABUSA, AEEST, Allianz, ANCETD, Apex FX ...
Whitford Assets – Suspected scam, withholding client funds
We are concerned that Whitford Assets may be operating a scam through its website, whitfordassets.com.
Scam impersonating Financial Markets Authority
The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) is aware of an FMA impersonator using the fake email address [email protected].
Access Cash Lending – Loan scam
The FMA has received a report of a victim who has lost money after applying for a loan with Access Cash Lending.
Bitcotel – Withholding client funds; upfront payments required for withdrawals
We are aware of an investor who has invested with Bitcotel and is unable to withdraw money they invested.
New cryptocurrency scam that drains your cryptocurrency holdings
We have become aware of a new type of sophisticated cryptocurrency scam where the scammers include a link on social media posts that automatically tra ...
Ultimate Traders – Suspected scam; withholding client funds; false regulation claims
We recommend caution when dealing with Ultimate Traders.
Option 2 Trade – Suspected scam
We recommend caution when dealing with the online trading platform Option 2 Trade or its website, option2trade.io.
Livaxxen – Operating a scam and withholding client funds
Livaxxen is not licensed nor registered on the Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR) to provide financial services or products in New Zealand. ...