TL;DR: On 10 June 2026, MBIE published the New Zealand Anti-Scam Alliance’s 2026 work programme. Scams cost Kiwis $265 million (gross) in the year to October 2025. The 2026 plan: expand bank Confirmation of Payee, review the telco Scam Prevention Code, and build better scam reporting tools, plus smarter data sharing and clearer public guidance. The Alliance started in July 2025 and brings together banks, telcos, digital platforms, consumer groups and government.
The numbers
From MBIE:
- $265 million gross scam losses in the year to October 2025.
- Alliance formed July 2025.
(Netsafe and GASA put the broader estimate at around $3 billion for 2025 once unreported losses are included; see NZ scam statistics 2026.)
What’s in the 2026 programme
| Action | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Expand Confirmation of Payee | More payments checked for name–account mismatches before money leaves |
| Review the telco Scam Prevention Code | Potentially more blocking of scam calls and texts |
| Better scam reporting tools | Easier, joined-up reporting |
| Disruption tools and data sharing | Faster takedowns and freezes |
| Clearer public guidance | One set of advice instead of ten |
Who’s in the Alliance
Banks, telecommunications providers, digital platforms, consumer groups and government agencies. That matters, because a scam usually touches all of them: a social media ad, a phone call, a text, and a bank transfer.
What already exists
- Bank reimbursement rules since November 2025 (explained).
- The telco Scam Prevention Code, with blocking and in-store ID checks for SIM swaps (explained).
- 7726 for scam texts (how to use it).
What you can do now
- Use Confirmation of Payee prompts; don’t skip a mismatch warning.
- Report every scam you see; reports drive blocking.
- Verify before you pay, using contact details you already trust.
A free exposure check shows which breaches your email is in, which is often how scammers find you in the first place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do New Zealanders lose to scams?
MBIE says scams cost New Zealanders $265 million (gross) in the year to October 2025.
What is the NZ Anti-Scam Alliance?
A group set up in July 2025 bringing together banks, telcos, digital platforms, consumer groups and government agencies to fight scams.
What’s in the 2026 anti-scam programme?
Expanding Confirmation of Payee, reviewing the telco Scam Prevention Code, improving scam reporting tools, and better data sharing and guidance.