Scams & Fraud
NZ & Australia — latest scams & fraud news and analysis
Scams & Fraud
AUASIC Warns of AI-Powered Crypto Investment Scams Targeting Young Australians on Messaging Platforms
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has issued an alert warning consumers about sophisticated, AI-driven crypto-asset investment scams. Operating on popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, these schemes use deepfakes and fake trading data to deceive younger investors.
Scams & Fraud
NZAuckland Painting Scam Leads to Arrest of UK National and Active Manhunt
A UK national has pleaded guilty to fraud and shoplifting charges in Auckland after a local couple was scammed out of $27,000 for uncompleted house painting. Police have issued an arrest warrant for his associate who fled the country.
Scams & Fraud
AUCommBank issues urgent alert as sophisticated 'pump and dump' scams target Australian investors
Commonwealth Bank has issued a critical alert warning investors of sophisticated 'pump and dump' schemes using AI deepfakes and fake social media ads to target Australians.
Scams & Fraud
AUAUSTRAC Warns of Surge in AI-Enabled Financial Fraud as Lenders Bolster Defences
AUSTRAC has issued a major warning regarding a 45% surge in AI-assisted illicit flows, prompting lenders to implement automated fraud detection. New AML/CTF regulations are set to take effect on July 1, 2026, to combat increasingly sophisticated financial crime.
Scams & Fraud
NZFinancial Markets Authority Issues Alert on Swift Wave Global Ponzi Scheme
The Financial Markets Authority has issued a high-risk warning for Swift Wave Global, a Ponzi-style scam linked to the collapsed BG Wealth Sharing scheme. Regulators report over $150 million in global losses associated with this fraudulent network.
Scams & Fraud
NZQR code fraud surges in New Zealand as quishing threats double in two months
QR code-based 'quishing' scams have more than doubled in New Zealand, now making up 9.3% of all detected cyber threats. Scammers are currently exploiting a new NZ$2.54 import charge to trick mobile users into visiting fraudulent payment sites.
Scams & Fraud
NZAuckland Resident Recovers $19,300 After Sophisticated SIM Swapping Fraud
An Auckland man has recovered $19,300 after falling victim to a sophisticated SIM swapping scam that targeted his ANZ bank account. The incident has prompted One NZ to implement a new 15-minute delay on SIM transfers.
Scams & Fraud
AUMillions of Australians Urged to Change Passwords After Major Super Fund Hack
Regulators have issued urgent warnings to the A$4.2 trillion superannuation sector to bolster cyber resilience following historical breaches and new AI-powered threats. The move follows the 2025 credential stuffing attacks where A$500,000 was stolen from member accounts.
Scams & Fraud
AUCustomer Owned Banking Association Issues Warning Over Fuel Crisis Phishing Scams
The Customer Owned Banking Association has warned Australians of sophisticated phishing scams exploiting the fuel crisis to steal credit card information.
Scams & Fraud
NZNetsafe Reports Significant Spike in New Zealand Investment Scam Losses
Investment scam losses in New Zealand more than doubled to $81,500 in April 2026, with the average loss per victim surging to over $20,000 as deepfake technology becomes more prevalent.
Scams & Fraud
NZFMA and Westpac NZ Issue Urgent Warning Over Surge in Deepfake Social Media Scams
New Zealand's FMA and Westpac NZ have issued a major alert following a spike in AI-driven deepfake scams. With 64% of bank fraud now originating on social media, authorities are calling for greater platform accountability.