Paws Off, Scammers! The I.T. Bear's Guide to Online Safety
Hey Kiwis! The I.T. Bear here, lumbering out of my tech cave to have a yarn about something important: staying safe from those pesky online scammers. Technology is a wonderful forest full of exciting things to explore, but just like any forest, you need to know how to spot the poison ivy.
So, grab a cuppa, and let's talk about keeping your data and your honey pot (that's your bank account) secure.
The Cost of a Stolen Picnic Basket
Before we get into the "how," let's look at the "why." Getting scammed isn't just about losing a bit of money, though that stings like a bee. Kiwis lose millions of dollars to scams every year. But it's more than that. It's the stress, the feeling of being tricked, and the time it takes to clean up the mess. It can really knock your confidence. But don't you worry, this old bear is here to help you build that confidence right back up.
How to Sniff Out a Scam
Scammers are getting clever, but they often use the same old tricks. Keep your nose in the air for these common signs:
A Sense of Urgency: They'll tell you you've won a prize you must claim NOW, or that your bank account will be frozen if you don't act immediately. They want you to panic, not think.
Suspicious Links & Attachments: Never click on links or open attachments in emails or texts you weren't expecting. Hover your mouse over a link to see the real web address before you click.
Too Good to Be True: If an offer seems unbelievable, it probably is. A random message saying you've won a lottery you never entered is a trap.
Unusual Requests: Your bank, the IRD, or the Police will never text or email you asking for your password, PIN, or credit card number. Never.
What to Do When You Spot a Scam: Your Action Plan for Fighting Back
Okay, so a suspicious message has landed on your device. Don't panic! What you do next depends on how far the scammer's hook has gone.
Phase 1 (LOW RISK): You've Received the Message or Call
You've just gotten a text, email, or phone call that seems fishy. You haven't clicked, replied, or given away any information. At this stage, you are perfectly safe.
What to Do:
STOP. Don't reply. Don't click any links. Don't call any numbers back. Just pause.
REPORT. Help protect others by reporting the attempt!
For spam text messages: Forward the message for free to 7726 (SPAM).
For spam emails: Report them to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).
DELETE. Now that you've reported it, get it out of your sight. Simply delete the email or message. If it's a phone call, just hang up and block the number.
Phase 2 (MEDIUM RISK): You've Clicked the Link or Replied
Uh oh. Curiosity got the better of you and you clicked the link, or maybe you replied to the message before you realised it was a scam. Your device or accounts could be compromised, so acting quickly is key.
What to Do:
DISCONNECT. Immediately turn off the Wi-Fi and mobile data on your device. This can stop malicious software from sending your information out.
SCAN YOUR DEVICE. Run a full scan with reputable antivirus software.
CHANGE PASSWORDS. If you were taken to a fake login page for your email, banking, or social media, change those passwords immediately using a different, trusted device.
How to Report It (Do This After Securing Your Device):
Because you've interacted with the scam, it's more than just spam now. Report the incident to Netsafe. They are New Zealand's online safety experts and can provide advice and support.
Phase 3 (CRITICAL RISK): You've Shared Personal or Financial Information
This is the most serious stage. In a moment of panic or confusion, you've entered your credit card details, banking login, driver's licence number, or other sensitive information. Your finances and identity are at immediate risk.
What to Do: ACT IMMEDIATELY.
CONTACT YOUR BANK. This is the absolute first and most important step. Call your bank or financial institution using the number on the back of your card or from their official website. Tell them you've been scammed. Do this now. Every second counts.
What Your Bank Will Do: When you call, their fraud team will leap into action. They will typically:
Immediately block your cards and may place a temporary freeze on your accounts to prevent any further losses.
Investigate the fraudulent transactions and work to recover any funds, although this is not always possible.
Guide you through resetting your internet banking passwords and PINs securely.
Issue you new cards and provide advice on the next steps to secure your identity.
CHANGE ALL KEY PASSWORDS. After calling your bank, change passwords for your email and any other important online accounts.
How to Report It (Do This After Calling Your Bank):
If you have lost money or your financial details have been compromised, this is a crime.
Report it to the Police via the 105 website or by calling them. They will give you a file number that you can use for insurance and banking purposes.
You should also still report the incident to Netsafe.
Don't Be Afraid of the Woods!
Hearing all this might seem a bit scary, but it shouldn't make you want to hide from technology. Not at all! Your computer, phone, and the internet are incredibly powerful tools for learning, connecting, and having fun.
Think of it like this: you learn to look both ways before crossing the road, but you don't stop crossing roads. By learning these simple safety steps, you're not building a wall around yourself; you're building the confidence to explore the digital world safely and smartly.
Quick-Find Reporting Links
Spam Texts & Emails: Report to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). For texts, you can simply forward them to 7726.
Online Incidents & Scams: For general online scams, bullying, or unwanted contact, report it to Netsafe. They provide free and confidential advice.
Scams Involving Financial Loss: If you have lost money, report it to the NZ Police on their 105 website or by calling 105.
Stay safe out there!
And remember, this old bear is always here to assist. If anything gets overwhelming, grab a cuppa (or something stronger!) and book a bear support session. We'll get through it together.
The I.T. Bear