TL;DR: New Zealanders lost an estimated NZ$3 billion to scams in 2025, up 30% from $2.3 billion in 2024, according to Netsafe and the Global Anti-Scam Alliance. 72% of Kiwis experienced a scam in a year and 23% lost money. Only 10% of victims got money back before it reached the scammer. Netsafe’s April–June 2026 quarter logged 3,463 scam and fraud reports and $1.56 million in reported losses, with fake shops at the top.
The big number: $3 billion
Netsafe’s State of Scams in New Zealand report, produced with the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), estimates:
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Total lost to scams, 2025 | NZ$3 billion |
| Total lost, 2024 | NZ$2.3 billion |
| Change | +30% |
| Average loss per victim | $3,352 |
| Adults who lost money | 23% |
| Experienced a scam in 12 months | 72% |
| Average scam encounters per person per year | 152 |
That last figure means the average Kiwi meets a scam roughly three times a week. Most of us just don’t notice, which is the good news, and occasionally do notice too late, which is the bad news.
Where scams find people
The top channels were Gmail (48%) and Facebook (47%). The most common scam types by share of victims were shopping (50%), unexpected money (47%) and investment (40%).
Getting money back is rare
- 78% of victims who lost money reported it to their bank.
- 36% of those got at least some money back.
- Only 10% recovered funds before they reached the scammer.
Speed is everything. The minutes after you realise are worth more than the weeks after. See our international recovery guide.
Netsafe’s April–June 2026 quarter
Netsafe’s Q4 FY26 summary shows what people reported directly:
| Measure | April–June 2026 |
|---|---|
| Total reports | 6,606 |
| Scam and fraud reports | 3,463 |
| Personal harm reports | 2,032 |
| Scam reports with a loss | 324 |
| Reported losses | about $1,558,504 |
The top report categories overall were worthless or non-existent products (fake shops), harassment, friends or relatives impostor scams, sextortion and false allegations.
Reporters by age: 22–40 made up 42%, 41–64 made 24%, 13–17 made 17% and 65+ only 4%. Low numbers from older Kiwis likely reflect under-reporting rather than safety. Auckland accounted for 41% of reports.
How people feel about it
61% of scam victims reported stress and 34% moderate to significant effects on their mental wellbeing. 48% think banks should always reimburse victims. New Zealand banks have since moved towards reimbursement rules and confirmation of payee, which we’ll cover separately.
What the data suggests you do
- Shop on known sites and search for reviews before buying from new ones; fake shops lead the reports.
- Verify “it’s me, new number” messages with a call to the old number; family impostor scams are top three.
- Report fast to your bank, then to Netsafe or the NCSC.
- Check your exposure: many scams start with leaked contact details. A free email exposure check shows which breaches include your email.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do New Zealanders lose to scams?
An estimated NZ$3 billion in 2025, up 30% from $2.3 billion in 2024, according to Netsafe and GASA.
What is the most common scam in New Zealand?
Shopping scams affected 50% of victims in the State of Scams survey, and fake product scams topped Netsafe’s April–June 2026 reports.
How many victims get their money back?
36% of those who reported to their bank recovered some money, but only 10% recovered it before it reached the scammer.
How many scams did Netsafe receive in April–June 2026?
3,463 scam and fraud reports out of 6,606 total, with about $1.56 million in reported losses.
Sources
- Netsafe and GASA: New Zealand's Scam Epidemic, Kiwis lose record $3 billion
- Netsafe: Quarterly summary, April to June 2026
- GASA: State of Scams New Zealand report