TL;DR: Under the TCF Scam Prevention Code, NZ telcos must detect, verify, block and report scam activity. In practice: call and SMS filtering, daily scam alerts between providers, in-store ID checks for SIM swaps, and a "yes" text reply before your number can be ported to another provider. Most major banks and key agencies can flag scam numbers to telcos. The Code went under review in June 2025, and the 2026 anti-scam programme includes it.
What the Code requires
From the TCF’s June 2025 release:
- Stop scam calls and texts as close to the source as possible.
- Share scam call and SMS information across the sector and with third parties.
- Set out how providers and SMS partners flag and communicate suspicious traffic.
- Educate consumers.
- Providers must be able to detect, verify, block and report suspected scams.
Nine non-telco organisations, including most major banks and key government agencies, can send scam notifications to telcos to investigate and block.
What it means for your phone
From the TCF’s scam measures page:
| Protection | How it works |
|---|---|
| Call and SMS filtering | Telcos detect scam patterns and block them |
| Daily scam alerts | TCF working group shares alerts; providers block numbers |
| 7726 | DIA sends daily reports to operators (how to use) |
| SIM swaps | Customers must verify ID in store |
| Number porting | You must reply "yes" by text to approve a port, which also lets you flag fraud |
| IMEI check | Free lookup to see if a second-hand phone is block-listed |
That port confirmation text is your tripwire. If you get one you didn’t ask for, don’t reply yes. Call your provider straight away.
The review
The TCF is reviewing the Code to include new anti-scam initiatives, ministerial roundtable feedback, consumer education and reporting, and closer work with digital platforms. The 2026 Anti-Scam Alliance plan lists the review as a priority.
TCF CEO Paul Brislen: "scams are becoming more sophisticated, and the impacts on everyday New Zealanders are increasing."
Limits
Filters can’t catch everything. A fake cell tower can send texts that never touch your carrier’s network (SMS blaster case).
What you can do
- Report scam numbers to your telco and texts to 7726.
- Protect your number from SIM swaps; see SIM swap fraud.
- Run a free exposure check to see if your number is in breach data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do NZ telcos block scam calls?
Yes. Under the Scam Prevention Code, telcos filter and block suspected scam calls and texts.
How do NZ telcos prevent SIM swap fraud?
Customers must verify their ID in store for SIM swaps.
How does number porting protection work in NZ?
You must reply "yes" by text to approve a port, which also lets you flag a fraudulent request.
Is the Scam Prevention Code being updated?
The TCF announced a review in June 2025, and it’s part of the 2026 anti-scam programme.
Sources
- TCF: Telecommunications industry to review Scam Prevention Code (16 Jun 2025)
- TCF: Scam prevention measures