Scammers look for ways to trick people into sharing their personal or financial details.
Scams and fraud exploiting COVID-19 may appear by email, text messaging, instant messaging, phone call, or through social media.
Remember:
- the COVID-19 vaccine is free
- you will never be asked to pay for the vaccine or pay to secure your place in the queue
- we will never ask for your financial details, your bank card details, PIN or banking password
- official information about the vaccine will come from a trusted provider of health content, such as the Ministry of Health, Te Whatu Ora — Health New Zealand, Unite against COVID-19, or your local district health provider
- a health worker will never come to your home to give you the vaccine, unless arranged with you beforehand
- if you receive an email, phone call, text message, or instant message asking for financial details in regards to the vaccine it will be a scam. Report it to CERT NZ immediately.
CERT NZ works to support businesses, organisations and individuals who are affected (or may be affected) by cyber security incidents. They are also the public reporting point for misinformation and online scams.
Find out how to report a COVID-19 scam or misinformation — CERT NZ (external link)
Scamwatch Consumer protection website (external link)
COVID-19-related scams: Financial Markets Authority (external link)
