A text message phishing campaign is preying on New Zealanders by impersonating family members in distress. The messages falsely claim that the recipient’s child or family member has experienced phone damage and provide a new mobile number for contact.
However, responding to these messages could expose individuals to potential scams. Scammers are known to ask for sensitive information, such as bank account or credit card details, under the pretense of purchasing a new mobile phone.
While receiving the deceptive text message itself does not immediately indicate risk, engaging with the scammers by responding increases vulnerability. To avoid falling victim to this scheme, recipients are advised not to respond directly to the message. Instead, individuals are encouraged to reach out to their family members through their usual contact channels to verify the legitimacy of the claim. If contact cannot be established, seeking confirmation from a close friend or relative can also help verify the situation.
To combat the phishing campaign, individuals are encouraged to report suspicious messages to relevant authorities. The Department of Internal Affairs offers a free forwarding service (7726) for such messages, aiming to curb the spread of scams.
Additionally, CERT NZ, a cybersecurity agency, should be notified about the scam either through their website or their helpline (0800 CERTNZ). By spreading awareness about this text message phishing campaign and following recommended precautions, New Zealanders can better protect themselves from falling victim to these fraudulent tactics.
