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List of all current scams in New Zealand

I am currently doing a comparative research analysis for my Masters's at IPU New Zealand on scams in Singapore Vs New Zealand since they have a similar population. Singapore has a website https://www.scamalert.sg/stories where I can refer to and understand what are the current trends in scams reported however I couldnt find anything similar to it in NZ. I am after either the stories reported by the general public or just screenshots of the messages/email/etc so I can analyse them.

Understanding scams in New Zealand and which contact channels are used for which hook

My analysis could help NZ govt prepare strategies and get a better understanding of what channels are used for which type of scams and also what we can learn from Singapore.


Response from
Department of Internal Affairs

Data not suitable for release

Official Information Act 1982 request dated 21 August 2024, reference OIA2425-0168 Thank you for request dated 21 August 2024 to Te Tari Taiwhenua | the Department of Internal Affairs (the Department) asking for the following information under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act): I am currently doing a comparative research analysis for my Masters's at IPU New Zealand on scams in Singapore vs New Zealand since they have a similar population. Singapore has a website https://www.scamalert.sg/stories where I can refer to and understand what are the current trends in scams reported however I couldn’t find anything similar to it in NZ. I am after either the stories reported by the general public or just screenshots of the messages/emails/etc so I can analyse them. Response to your request The Department is responsible for enforcing New Zealand’s Unsolicited Electronic Messages Act 2007 (UEMA 2007) which defines ‘spam’ as ‘unsolicited commercial electronic messages’. UEMA 2007 came into force on 5th September 2007, and covers emails, faxes, instant messaging, mobile/smart phone texts and image-based messages of a commercial nature. It does not cover internet pop-ups or voice telemarketing. The Department does not have a section on its website where you can search through stories about ‘spam’ since the inception of UEMA 2007. There is, however, a website operated by New Zealand’s Computer Emergency Response Team which outlines stories of New Zealanders who have been targeted by attackers while going about their lives. This website is available at www.ownyouronline.govt.nz/exposed/. The Department has released a 2023 Digital Messaging Transparency Report and a 2022 Digital Messaging Transparency Report. The aim of these reports is to help the public and organisations working within digital messaging to understand the Department’s work to keep people safe from harm from spam and scams. Links to these reports are available at www.dia.govt.nz/Spam-Transparency-reports. The Department is unable to release screenshots of harmful text or email messages containing spam or scams. These messages contain the ability to exploit individuals with harmful links, scams, phishing or malware. The making available of these messages would prejudice the maintenance of the law and I am refusing to make them available to you under section 6(c) of the Act. The screenshot of these harmful messages also often contain personal information, and I am withholding this information under section 9(2)(a) of the Act to protect the privacy of natural persons. The withholding of this information is not outweighed by other public interest considerations which render it desirable to make this information available. Access to the Ombudsman You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602. Other requests for information Should you require any more information on spam or scams, please contact Tanya Parker at Tanya.Parker@dia.govt.nz. We will proactively release our response to you on our website and will update this page with the exact link once it's available.

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