Customers are reminded to access their internet banking through the official website or app
ANZ Bank in Aotearoa has cautioned customers to stay vigilant against new phishing scams asking them to click links or make payments via email and text.
ANZ said messages purporting to be from the IRD and New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) were received by customers with a link claiming to help them receive a tax refund, cost-of-living payment, or renew a vehicle license registration and leading them to a fake website asking them to enter personal information such as internet banking login details, credit card details, and driver license.
Anyone who receives a similar text or email should avoid clicking on the links and immediately delete the message, ANZ said. The bank also reminded consumers not to give their credit card details, internet banking login details, or two-factor authentication codes via links received in messages or in response to an unexpected phone call, Newshub reported.
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Recent data from CERT NZ revealed that Kiwis lost over $3.7 million in online scams in the first quarter of 2022 alone, with the majority of those reports being about phishing and credential harvesting, Newshub reported.
CERT NZ Director Rob Pope said phishing has evolved over time, with attackers changing tactics to reflect current events and using urgency, fear, and opportunity to scam people.
“Phishing is a major concern as it’s simple to do, from a technical perspective, and it’s a gateway to other kinds of incidents,” Pope said.
The government’s cybersecurity agency urged Kiwis to report all phishing attacks.
“Reporting phishing attempts to CERT NZ helps all New Zealanders because the sooner we learn of them, the sooner we can work with providers to take down phoney websites and stop others from potentially falling victim to a scam,” Pope said.
To remain safe online, the bank advised those who receive a call they are unsure if legitimate to just hang up and call the bank on its listed number. Anyone impacted should also contact their bank immediately and to always access their internet banking through the official website or app, Newshub reported.
