%20white%20_edited.png)
This is an important PSA for everyone out there - stay smart, stay safe and protect yourself from scammers!
As students, whether you're balancing studies, part-time work, or new life experiences, it's easy to become a target for scammers.
Scammers have become more sophisticated, using ever more elaobrate methods to steal personal information, money, or access to your accounts. From fake job offers to fraudulent phone calls pretending to be from authorities, these scams can catch anyone off guard. One common tactic is to create a sense of urgency, making you feel pressured to act quickly without thinking through the situation.
A student recently shared how they were contacted by someone pretending to be an official, using personal details to build trust. Luckily, they realized they were being scammed before giving away sensitive information, but it was a very close call.
Common scams to watch out for
Phone Scams: Scammers may impersonate government officials, the police, or even financial institutions, claiming there's an urgent issue that needs resolving. Always verify the source before sharing any personal details - especially anyone asking for your credit/debit card details!
Email Fraud: Scammers send emails that look official, asking for personal information or payments, asking you to click on links or provide sensitive details. Always check the sender’s address! Here's a guide to help you learn more - https://www.nzba.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/How-To-Keep-Yourself-Safe-From-Online-Scams-PDF.pdf
Fake Scholarships/Jobs: We've seen a rise of fake jobs being offered, especially to international students who are still learning about how things work in New Zealand and are looking to enter the job market to secure a good role. Beware of offers that ask for payments or your bank information.
Phishing Attacks: These are messages disguised as being from legitimate organisations but are trying to steal your login credentials or personal info. These involve fraudulent emails, messages, or websites designed to steal your login information while pretending to be trustworthy sources.
How to protect yourself -
Verify all communications: Whether it's a phone call, email, or message, always verify who you’re speaking to by contacting the organisation directly. Email the company using their official contact information found online—not the details provided by the person contacting you. Likewise, if you’re concerned by a possible scam phone call, hang up and then ring the company on their official contact number and ask if the contact is legitimate.
Don’t give out personal info: Never give out sensitive details such as passwords, bank account numbers, or identification info unless you're certain of the legitimacy of the request. Real authorities will never ask for bank details, passwords, or PINs via phone or email.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Keep your online accounts secure with strong passwords, and consider using two-factor authentication when available.
Be careful of links: Don’t click on suspicious links or attachments from unknown or unverified sources, especially in emails or text messages.
Be cautious of urgency: Scammers often create pressure to make you act quickly. Take your time and investigate.
Report suspicious activity: If you’re suspicious about a email, message or call, report it to your bank, local authorities, or your school immediately.
What if you have been targeted?
If you believe you’ve been scammed, here are the steps to take:
Contact Your Bank: If you’ve shared any financial information, immediately notify your bank to secure your accounts.
Report to Authorities: Depending on your location, report the incident to the police or a fraud prevention organisation.
Update Your Security: Change passwords and enable stronger security settings on your accounts to prevent further issues.
By staying informed and taking preventative steps, you can protect yourself from scams and keep your personal information safe. Remember, it's always better to take your time and verify rather than rush into a decision that could compromise your security.
Relevant links:
Comments