Recovering Money After a Scam in NZ (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?
The moment you realise you've been scammed, contact your bank — speed is everything. If the money has just left, the bank may be able to stop, recall, or trace it, especially for a bank-transfer or card payment. Banks have obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering and CFT Act 2009 and the industry codes to act on reports of fraud.
If the bank won't help and you think it should have, you can escalate to the bank's free, independent dispute scheme — most commonly the Banking Ombudsman (0800 805 950). Outcomes depend on the type of payment and whether you authorised it: unauthorised transactions (e.g. a stolen card) are treated differently from authorised but scam-induced transfers. Keep every record and report to Police as well, as a Police report can support recovery.
When does it apply?
- You sent money or had funds taken in a scam.
- You want your bank to stop, recall or trace a payment.
- Your bank declined to help and you want to escalate.
What to do to recover scammed money
- Call your bank's fraud line immediately to try to stop/recall the payment.
- Report to Police (105) and keep the reference number.
- Complain to the bank in writing, then escalate to the Banking Ombudsman (0800 805 950).
- Keep all evidence of the transaction and the scam.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't wait — recovery chances fall sharply after the first day.
- Don't pay a "recovery agent" who promises to get your money back for a fee — that's often a second scam.
- Don't share more details with the scammer.
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 recovering money after a scam right in New Zealand?
The moment you realise you've been scammed, contact your bank — speed is everything. If the money has just left, the bank may be able to stop, recall, or trace it, especially for a bank-transfer or card payment. Banks have obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering and CFT Act 2009 and the industry codes to act on reports of fraud.If the bank won't help and you think it should have, you can escalate to the bank's free, independent dispute scheme — most commonly the Banking Ombudsman (0800 805 950). Outcomes depend on the type of payment and whether you authorised it: unauthorised transactions...
When does it apply — recovering money after a scam?
You sent money or had funds taken in a scam.You want your bank to stop, recall or trace a payment.Your bank declined to help and you want to escalate.
Can I get my money back after a scam in New Zealand?
Call your bank's fraud line immediately to try to stop/recall the payment.Report to Police (105) and keep the reference number.Complain to the bank in writing, then escalate to the Banking Ombudsman (0800 805 950).Keep all evidence of the transaction and the scam.
What should you NOT do — recovering money after a scam?
Don't wait — recovery chances fall sharply after the first day.Don't pay a "recovery agent" who promises to get your money back for a fee — that's often a second scam.Don't share more details with the scammer.