Investment Scams in New Zealand — FMA (2026)
About this article
Sourced from New Zealand Acts of Parliament (legislation.govt.nz), regulations, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Investment scams — fake trading platforms, "guaranteed" high returns, crypto cons, and impersonation of real firms — are among the costliest frauds in New Zealand. Genuine financial services are regulated under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013, and the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) is the watchdog. Misleading investment claims also breach the Fair Trading Act 1986.
Before investing, check whether the provider is on the Financial Service Providers Register and licensed by the FMA, and look at the FMA's warnings and alerts list. If you've been caught, report to the FMA and to Police (105), and contact your bank fast to try to recover funds. The FMA can investigate and warn the public, which helps stop the scam spreading even where your own money is hard to recover.
When does it apply?
- You were offered or invested in something promising unusually high or "guaranteed" returns.
- A "broker" or platform is pressuring you to deposit more or blocking withdrawals.
- You suspect an investment opportunity is fake.
What to do about an investment scam
- Stop sending money and don't pay "fees" to withdraw.
- Check the FMA register and warnings list before investing.
- Report to the FMA and to Police (105).
- Contact your bank immediately to try to recover funds.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't trust "guaranteed" returns — they're a hallmark of a scam.
- Don't pay to unlock "profits" — that's how the con extracts more.
- Don't invest with unregistered providers.
About Scams & Fraud Recovery in New Zealand
If you've been scammed in New Zealand, act fast — the first hours matter most. Report fraud to NZ Police (111 emergency / 105 non-emergency and online reporting), contact your bank immediately to try to stop or recover funds, and use Netsafe for online harm. Scams are crimes under the Crimes Act 1961 (obtaining by deception, s 240) and the Fair Trading Act 1986; online harm is covered by the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015. Investment scams go to the Financial Markets Authority (FMA).
Police: 111 / 105. Netsafe: 0508 638 723. Report spam texts to 7726.
Common Questions
What is the investment and financial scams right in New Zealand?
Investment scams — fake trading platforms, "guaranteed" high returns, crypto cons, and impersonation of real firms — are among the costliest frauds in New Zealand. Genuine financial services are regulated under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013, and the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) is the watchdog. Misleading investment claims also breach the Fair Trading Act 1986.Before investing, check whether the provider is on the Financial Service Providers Register and licensed by the FMA, and look at the FMA's warnings and alerts list. If you've been caught, report to the FMA and to...
When does it apply — investment and financial scams?
You were offered or invested in something promising unusually high or "guaranteed" returns.A "broker" or platform is pressuring you to deposit more or blocking withdrawals.You suspect an investment opportunity is fake.
How do I check if an investment is a scam in New Zealand?
Stop sending money and don't pay "fees" to withdraw.Check the FMA register and warnings list before investing.Report to the FMA and to Police (105).Contact your bank immediately to try to recover funds.
What should you NOT do — investment and financial scams?
Don't trust "guaranteed" returns — they're a hallmark of a scam.Don't pay to unlock "profits" — that's how the con extracts more.Don't invest with unregistered providers.