TL;DR: The Financial Markets Authority warned on 30 October 2025 about scam platforms that falsely claim to be registered in New Zealand, often targeting overseas investors. They show fake NZ incorporation certificates, copy details from real NZ companies, and contact people via social media and messaging apps, using Gmail/Hotmail or look-alike domains. Before investing, check the Companies Register and the Financial Service Providers Register, and make sure the website and contact details match.
The tactics
From the FMA’s alert:
- Fake NZ company incorporation certificates
- Copying information from genuine NZ-registered companies
- Contact through social media or messaging apps
- Overseas phone numbers, Gmail or Hotmail addresses, or look-alike domains
The FMA lists many suspected sites, including RS Finance (rs-fin.com), JRBKR (jrbkr.com), Zennith Vista (zennithvista.com), Allied Holdings Limited Investments (alliedholdingslimited.com) and BitsStrategy (bitsstrategy.com). Many are flagged as impersonating legitimate firms.
Not just one alert
The October 2025 warning is part of a steady run. The FMA’s scams hub lists recent alerts on:
- fake news articles using NZ politicians’ and business leaders’ names to push trading platforms (April 2026);
- romance scams using fake banks to steal personal information (February 2026);
- recovery scams that phish for bank access or demand upfront fees (late 2025 and January 2026);
- fake IPO offers from unregistered firms;
- fake trading platforms promising quick profits.
The FMA says its research found around one in five Kiwis has been targeted by an investment scam, and it notes Pacific communities are being harmed.
Why "registered in New Zealand" is the hook
NZ has a clean reputation, and it’s cheap and quick to register a company. Scammers borrow that reputation. A registration number on a website sounds official, but it might belong to a completely different, real company that has no idea it’s being used.
Being on a register isn’t the same as being licensed to give investment advice, either.
How to check in two minutes
- Search the Companies Register for the company name and number.
- Search the Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR).
- Check the website and contact details match what’s on the register exactly.
- Check the FMA’s warnings and alerts list and its list of unregistered businesses.
- Check IOSCO’s international warnings, which flag firms using names similar to real ones or falsely claiming a connection.
- Contact the firm using details from the register, not the website or chat.
Red flags
- Guaranteed or risk-free returns
- "NZ-based" firm asking you to pay into overseas bank accounts or in crypto
- Approaches via social media, Gmail/Hotmail, or overseas numbers
- Pressure to decide fast
If you’ve invested
- Stop paying, including "fees" or "taxes" to withdraw.
- Call your bank immediately.
- Report to the FMA and Police (105).
- Watch for recovery scams offering to get your money back for a fee.
More NZ investment scams: deepfake politician ads and fake ANZ "Kiwi bonds". A free exposure check shows if your email is in breach data.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if a company is really registered in New Zealand?
Search the Companies Register and the Financial Service Providers Register, and make sure the website and contact details match.
What did the FMA warn about in October 2025?
Scam entities and websites falsely claiming NZ registration, often using fake certificates and copied company details.
How many New Zealanders are targeted by investment scams?
The FMA says its research found around one in five Kiwis has been targeted by an investment scam.
Is a company on the FSPR safe to invest with?
Not necessarily. Registration isn’t an endorsement. Also check the FMA’s warnings and confirm contact details match the register.
What should I do if I invested with a fake NZ firm?
Stop paying, call your bank, report to the FMA and Police, and beware of recovery scams.