New tool to fight spam scams

The Department of Internal Affairs is hoping to fight spam scams with a new webpage.

The webpage, which is being run by the department's anti-spam compliance unit, was developed as part of ongoing fraud awareness efforts and would list known scams.

"The anti-spam unit maintains a public spam (unsolicited electronic message) complaints service on the department's website, and often receives information about the various email and short message service (SMS) text message-based scams circulating New Zealand," acting manager of anti-spam Steve O'Brien said.

"The new web page will be updated regularly as reports of new scams trickle in. It also includes tips and hints on how to avoid scams, and who to contact if you are the victim of a scam."

Mr O'Brien urged people who received emails or text messages they suspected were part of a scam to speak up.

"The more complaints we receive about unsolicited email and SMS messages, the more analysis and exposure we can give to the problem," he said.

"We may also be able to use our domestic and international relationships in regard to email and SMS scams that originate from overseas."

 

 

 

Add a Comment