Scammers Are Now Hiding in WhatsApp — Here's What to Watch For

For years, the most common scams in New Zealand arrived by text message — fake courier fees, IRD warnings, NZTA toll notices. The good news is that banks, phone companies, and the government have been working together to block many of these, and it's actually working. Scam texts have all but dried up since 40 telcos, banks, companies, and government agencies joined forces as the New Zealand Anti-Scam Alliance to fight scams collectively. The bad news: the scammers haven't given up. They've simply moved somewhere new. Where they're moving: WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and other apps your family and friends use every day. Examples include compromised WhatsApp accounts where users were tricked into approving an attacker's browser as a linked device — meaning the scammer gains access to your WhatsApp and can message your real contacts pretending to be you. Air New Zealand A scam doing the rounds right now: someone messages you on WhatsApp claiming to be a family member in trouble — a new number because their phone was lost or broken, an urgent request for money, please don't tell anyone yet. The scam targets families where the scammer poses as their child and describes them as vulnerable, sending the message from a new number they purchased or borrowed. What else to watch for on social media: Scammers are placing ads on social media platforms that usually include provocative fake images or videos of high-profile New Zealanders, appearing to be published by legitimate news outlets. These fake news stories are used to promote fraudulent investment schemes — and they're increasingly using AI to make them look convincing. The golden rules for messaging apps: If a family member messages you from a new number asking for money — call their original number first before doing anything else If a WhatsApp message asks you to tap a link or approve anything — don't, even if it looks like it came from someone you know If an ad on Facebook or YouTube shows a celebrity or news anchor endorsing an investment — it's almost certainly fake When in doubt — ask Helen. Describe what you received and she'll tell you what she thinks