How to Report a Scam in New Zealand (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?
Knowing who to tell gets you help faster. Scams are crimes — obtaining by deception is an offence under section 240 of the Crimes Act 1961. For most scams and fraud, report to NZ Police on 105 (or online at police.govt.nz/use-105); call 111 if there's immediate danger or a crime in progress.
Then route to the right specialist: Netsafe (0508 638 723) for online scams and harm; the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) for investment and financial scams; the Department of Internal Affairs for spam (forward scam texts to 7726); and CERT NZ / the National Cyber Security Centre for cyber incidents. Reporting helps you and warns others — many scams are tracked across agencies.
When does it apply?
- You've been scammed or targeted by fraud.
- You're not sure which agency to contact.
- You want to warn authorities to protect others.
What to do to report a scam
- Call 111 if there's immediate danger; otherwise report to Police on 105.
- Report online scams to Netsafe (0508 638 723).
- Report investment scams to the FMA; forward scam texts to 7726.
- Keep all evidence — messages, payment details, screenshots.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't delay reporting — speed helps tracing and recovery.
- Don't engage further with the scammer or send "recovery" fees.
- Don't delete the evidence before reporting.
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 report a scam (where to go) right in New Zealand?
Knowing who to tell gets you help faster. Scams are crimes — obtaining by deception is an offence under section 240 of the Crimes Act 1961. For most scams and fraud, report to NZ Police on 105 (or online at police.govt.nz/use-105); call 111 if there's immediate danger or a crime in progress.Then route to the right specialist: Netsafe (0508 638 723) for online scams and harm; the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) for investment and financial scams; the Department of Internal Affairs for spam (forward scam texts to 7726); and CERT NZ / the National Cyber Security Centre for cyber incidents. Repo...
When does it apply — report a scam (where to go)?
You've been scammed or targeted by fraud.You're not sure which agency to contact.You want to warn authorities to protect others.
Where do I report a scam in New Zealand?
Call 111 if there's immediate danger; otherwise report to Police on 105.Report online scams to Netsafe (0508 638 723).Report investment scams to the FMA; forward scam texts to 7726.Keep all evidence — messages, payment details, screenshots.
What should you NOT do — report a scam (where to go)?
Don't delay reporting — speed helps tracing and recovery.Don't engage further with the scammer or send "recovery" fees.Don't delete the evidence before reporting.