Kiwis are being hit by a “tidal wave” of scammers, according to a new study commissioned by BNZ.
And it’s not just the elderly who are being targeted; those aged 35 to 44 are just as likely to lose money, with scammers going after internet users with busy lives.
According to the study, 81 percent of New Zealanders have been targeted by a scam.
“Scammers are taking advantage of good people and Kiwis are drowning and not putting their hand up for help,” says Ashley Kai Fong, head of financial crime at BNZ.
Fifteen percent of New Zealanders who lose money in scams suffer in silence and don’t tell anyone, the study found.
Fraudsters use a number of techniques to lure their victims, says Kai Fong.
The study showed that 13 percent of Kiwis were hesitant to go online for fear of being stung in a scam.
Last year, Kiwis lost at least $33 million in 13,000 cases of fraud and online scams, according to Netsafe. That number was up by $10.1 million compared to 2017, where 8100 cases were reported.
SOURCE: NEWSHUB
Featured Image – Getty
