TL;DR: On 8 April 2026, Kiwibank warned that scammers were using CEO Steve Jurkovich’s name and image in fake social media ads and news stories to promote a fraudulent investment platform. His message: "If you see my name promoting an investment, it’s a scam." It’s part of a wider wave using bank bosses, celebrities and politicians, sometimes with deepfakes, to sell fake investments.
What Kiwibank said
From Kiwibank’s media release:
- Fake ads and news stories impersonated Steve Jurkovich.
- They promoted a fraudulent investment platform.
- Jurkovich: "I am not associated with any investment platform using my name or image."
- On why it works: "the appearance of legitimacy can be enough to push people into decisions they might otherwise question."
Why bank bosses make good bait
A bank CEO sounds like the safest possible endorsement. That’s the whole trick: borrow trust, then sell a platform that shows fake profits until you try to withdraw. Kiwibank lists these among its current scams, noting deepfakes, fake advisers, and victims being asked for extra fees to withdraw (Kiwibank’s list).
Real CEOs are busy running banks. They don’t moonlight as crypto influencers.
How to spot it
- A well-known person "recommending" an investment in an ad or news-style story
- Urgency and pressure
- Unexpected calls, texts or emails after you register interest
- Requests to share personal or banking details via links
- Fees or "taxes" demanded before you can withdraw
What to do
- Don’t click the ad or enter details.
- Check any platform on the FMA’s warnings list and the FSPR (how).
- If you shared info or paid, call your bank immediately (Kiwibank’s 24/7 fraud line: 0800 113 355, or +64 4 473 1133 from overseas).
- Report to Police (105) and Netsafe.
Same scam, other faces
Deepfakes of PM Christopher Luxon cost one Taranaki pensioner $224,000 (story). ANZ has seen fake stock education ads (details).
A free exposure check shows if your contact details are in breach data scammers use for follow-up calls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kiwibank’s CEO promoting an investment platform?
No. Steve Jurkovich says he is not associated with any investment platform using his name or image.
When did Kiwibank warn about the fake ads?
8 April 2026.
What should I do if I invested after seeing a fake ad?
Stop paying, call your bank immediately, and report to Police and Netsafe.
Sources
- Kiwibank: What to do if you've been scammed
- Kiwibank: "If you see my name promoting an investment, it's a scam" (8 Apr 2026)