WEBINAR: Protect Yourself from Online and Financial Scams

Financial scams continue to rise across New Zealand, affecting thousands of people every year. With losses reaching billions of dollars annually, awareness and prevention have become a shared responsibility. To help protect our community, Banyuhay Aotearoa recently hosted an online orientation focused on scam awareness and fraud prevention—bringing together practical tips, real cases, and expert guidance.

The webinar featured Khristian Carlos, a Financial Fraud Analyst, who shared his professional insights and experience supporting scam victims and investigating cases across Aotearoa. The session was organised and facilitated by the Banyuhay team, with Becky coordinating the logistics and recording setup to ensure a smooth learning experience for everyone.

Understanding What Scams Really Are

Khristian began with a simple but important definition: A scam or fraud is any deceptive scheme intended to trick someone into giving away money or personal information—whether by phone, email, social media, mail, or in person.

He emphasised that scams target people of all ages and backgrounds. They evolve quickly and often use emotional pressure, urgency, and fake authority to get people to act before thinking.

The Latest Scams in New Zealand

The presentation covered several scam types currently affecting individuals and families across Aotearoa:

1. Bank Impersonation Scams

Scammers pretend to be from a trusted bank, claiming your account has been compromised. They often ask for passwords, 2FA codes, credit card details, or direct victims to fake bank websites.

2. Investment & Romance Scams (Pig Butchering)

Victims are lured through online ads or emotional manipulation. Fraudsters build trust, then pressure victims into investing money or sending funds for “emergencies.” Once money is sent, it disappears.

3. Card Compromise Scams

Scammers claim your card has been compromised and convince victims to hand over their PIN or surrender their card for “replacement.” Older adults are especially targeted.

4. Remote Access Scams

Through fake tech support or fraudulent bank alerts, scammers instruct victims to download remote-access apps, allowing them to quietly take over accounts.

5. WhatsApp Family Impersonation Scams

Fraudsters pretend to be a family member using a new number and urgently request money or bank details.

6. Cashback / Refund Scams

Victims receive emails saying they’ve been given a “cashback” and must log in through a link—leading them to a phishing site.

Across these categories, scammers use the same tactics: urgency, fear, emotional manipulation, and sophisticated fake websites.

What the Numbers Tell Us

Khristian shared significant data about the scale of fraud in New Zealand. Losses reach 3 billion NZD each year, impacting more than 3,000 victims nationwide. These numbers reflect not just financial loss, but also emotional distress and long-term consequences for victims and their families.

Scams often spread through social media, messaging apps, and online marketplaces—making it even more important for people to stay informed and vigilant.

How to Protect Yourself

The presentation highlighted several key reminders:

• Never share your banking information with anyone—including passwords, PINs, 2FA codes, Visa Secure codes, or reset codes.

• Banks will never ask you to download remote access software or log in while someone is watching or connected to your device.

• Don’t use links sent through email or text to log into your bank. Always type the official website yourself.

• Check the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) before investing and verify that firms are registered.

• Avoid sending money or gift cards to anyone you have only met online.

• Banks will never collect your card from your home or ask you to post it back.

• Always check the website URL carefully before entering personal information.

• Call your bank directly using the number on the back of your card if you’re unsure.

These reminders reflect common patterns in real cases investigated across the country.

If You’ve Already Been Scammed

The slides outlined clear steps on what to do:

1. Stop all contact with the scammer.

2. Call your bank immediately.

3. Tell trusted family or friends—shame keeps people silent, which helps scammers continue.

4. Report to the FMA for investment scams.

5. Contact Victim Support for emotional and practical help.

6. Report cyber incidents to CERT NZ.

7. Call NZ Police (105) or report online.

8. Report TXT/email scams to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).

   
   

Help is available, and early reporting makes a big difference.

A Session Filled with Real Questions

After the main presentation, participants asked questions about real situations they or people they know had experienced. Khristian addressed concerns around suspicious calls, phishing texts, crypto investments, and how banks investigate fraudulent activity. His practical advice and examples helped clarify what to do in everyday scenarios.

What’s Next for the Community

Banyuhay Aotearoa outlined the next steps to keep this learning ongoing:

• The recording of the session will be posted on Facebook and YouTube for anyone who missed it.

• All participants will receive an email with a feedback form to help improve future sessions.

• Future scam-awareness or safety webinars will be organised in 2026 to keep the community informed.

• For follow-up questions, people can send queries to mabuhay@banyuhayaotearoa.org, and the team will coordinate responses with Khristian as needed.

Final Thoughts

Scams are evolving rapidly, but community awareness is one of the strongest defences we have. Events like this orientation empower people to make safer decisions, protect their finances, and look out for one another.

Banyuhay Aotearoa will continue to support our Filipino and wider NZ communities with sessions that build knowledge, confidence, and resilience against fraud.

Let’s stay informed, stay connected, and stay scam-smart—together.