Scams in NZ continue to trick victims into sending their hard-earned cash to hackers, with a fake BNZ text being the latest scam affecting customers.
Bank of New Zealand customers are being caught out by a fake BNZ text alert, with one Queenstown victim losing $42,000 (via Stuff). The text includes an alert message that directs victims to log in via a phoney link. After the victims input their bank login credentials, including their password, scammers then have access to the victim’s bank account.
Once they have access, threat actors don’t hesitate to transfer money out of the victim’s account. While it’s a common phishing tactic, it can be easy to fall for if users aren’t aware.
According to BNZ, customers have received several different text and email scams in 2023. This includes text messages telling users that their BNZ account has been temporarily placed on hold, and texts advising customers that a new device has been paired to their online account.
Examples of BNZ scams
Below are examples of fake BNZ text scams to look out for.
- “BNZ: You have successfully paired a NEW DEVICE to your online banking. Recognise this? If NOT, update your details via [FAKE LINK]”
- “Your BNZ account access has been placed on a temporary hold, go to [FAKE LINK] to resolve this issue.”
- “BNZ: You have added a new payee to online banking. If you didn’t make this change, please visit: [FAKE LINK] so we can verify you.”
- “Your BNZ mobile access has been dissolved.”
- “We have detected an unusual payment attempt on your card.”
Signs of a BNZ scam
These text messages often include a link to a fake website for customers to enter their login details. However, this allows the hacker to access their bank account instead. Never click on the link if you receive these types of messages.
BNZ notes that it will “never send its customers an email or text message with a link requesting you to click to log in.” It’s also advised to only log in to BNZ’s official website or the BNZ app. The bank will also never contact customers through text messages about account issues.
Scammers will often trick users by issuing a sense of urgency if their messages. These phishing tactics get victims to click on the link without thinking. Moreover, these dodgy links can install malware onto your device. Be cautious when receiving texts from banks, and if you recognise a sketchy text or email, report it (you can do this by sending it to [email protected]).
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How can I stop scam texts and emails?
A majority of common scams reach users via texts or email. If you received a suspicious message, you aren’t alone. Scammers often send millions of phishing emails or texts, thousands at a time, to trick recipients, with malicious messages being sent to email addresses and numbers found through social profiles or via data breaches. These scams are widespread, meaning attackers cast a wide net to see how much they can reel in.
To stop receiving scam texts from random numbers, we have just the guides below. Otherwise, find out how to avoid them once and for all.
Use antivirus software scan and block scams
One of the best antivirus software will stop scams in its tracks, whether they are via text or email. Many high-standard AV protection offers near-perfect scores when detecting and protecting against malware, meaning even complex malicious software can’t go unnoticed in messages or emails.
Messages from threat actors can contain harmful links or attachments filled with malware, which you never want on your device. The good news is you can let one of the best antivirus software services do all the legwork for you, as they have security and privacy features to protect your accounts.
Services such as Avast One, Bitdefender, Norton 360 and more have protection tools that block malicious email addresses, links and attachments. To make sure scams block malware damaging your device and to keep safe from threat actors hacking your phone through texting and more, set yourself up with an antivirus.
- Norton 360 review: Optimal security
- Avast One review: Strong antivirus for free!
- Bitdefender review: All-in-one premium security
How to block scam email in Gmail
Clicking on a scam email can evoke even more spam crowding your inbox. If you are aware of an email address consistently sending spam, you can block the email address in Gmail.
- Open Gmail on your device.
- In your inbox, check the box beside the spam email of the sender you wish to block.
- Click the three vertical dots located at the top bar of your inbox.
- Click Filter messages like these.
- In the pop-up window, select Create filter.
- Check the Delete it box and click Create filter.
When the email address tries to send you mail, it will automatically be deleted. Find out more with our how to block spam email in Gmail guide.
How to block scam email in Outlook
- Open Microsoft Outlook on your device.
- Right-click the email of the address your wish to block.
- Select Block and click Block sender.
The email address will no longer be able to send you spam. For more on how to block spam email in Outlook, we’ve got you covered.
How to block scam email in Yahoo Mail
- Open Yahoo Mail on your device.
- Click the three horizontal dots in the toolbar at the top.
- Select Block senders.
Find out more about how to block spam email in Yahoo Mail, including reporting senders and changin
