Report false or misleading information

If you see content that you believe to be false or misleading you can report it.

How to report misinformation

We can all help stop the spread of misinformation by reporting fake accounts, or pages and domains that repeatedly post or share misinformation. Most misinformation and disinformation is legal. And people have the right to express their opinion. 

But if you see content on social media that you believe to be false or misleading, you can report it to the hosting social media platform. Here is how to do it:

Report to Netsafe any online harms including bullying and harassment, misinformation and hate speech/extremism.

Report harmful content | netsafe.org.nz (external link)

Misinformation, including leaflets and scams, can also be reported to CERT NZ.

Report COVID-19 misinformation (external link)

How to report scams and fraud

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)

How to report abuse

If anyone in your family or whānau receives inappropriate contact online, you can make a non-emergency report to the police on 105. Call  111 for emergencies. 

Report a non-emergency to the police | police.govt.nz (external link) 

What is misinformation and online harm?

There is misinformation, scams and online harm about COVID-19 and vaccines in many places. Find out what they mean.

Take care what you share

Just because a post looks good does not mean it is reliable information. Check before you share.

Get the facts

You can find the most accurate and reliable information about COVID-19 and the vaccine from several trusted sources.

Follow our whānau as they visit a museum to see an exhibition called 'A Brief History of Misinformation'.

As they explore the displays, they find out what an infodemic is, learn how to talk with those close friends and family affected by misinformation, as well as how to deal with misinformation on social media.

Watch video

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