Calls impersonating New Zealand Police and cryptocurrency companies

First observed：21 July 2026

Last verified：4 August 2026

Impersonated entities：New Zealand Police, Cryptocurrency company representative

Channels：Phone call, Fake webpage

Target groups：People with cryptocurrency wallets or accounts

Common behaviour or wording

• A fake detective claims the persons details or identity documents were found on someone arrested.
• They then arrange contact from a supposed cryptocurrency-company representative seeking passwords or seed phrases.
• They may direct the person to a fake webpage resembling a legitimate cryptocurrency application.

Information or funds requested

• Cryptocurrency wallet details
• Passwords
• Seed phrases

Key risk indicators

• Police will not make unsolicited phone requests for crypto-wallet details, bank-card details, PINs, seed phrases or passwords.
• Caller ID and email addresses can be spoofed and are not reliable identity checks.
• A request for a seed phrase or to enter details on an unfamiliar webpage.

What to do

• Do not provide passwords, seed phrases or wallet information, and do not follow the caller instructions.
• If unsure, ask for the officer details, hang up, call 105 and ask Police to verify them.
• If you shared information or transferred funds, contact your bank or payment provider immediately and report the matter to Police.
• Do not use a website or contact detail supplied by the caller to verify identity.

Official reporting channels

• New Zealand Police: 105 online or by phone
• Your bank or payment provider

Official sources

• New Zealand Police · Police warn of scammers impersonating NZ Police targeting cryptocurrency wallet holders21 July 2026

Timeline

• 21 July 2026 NZ Police published its cryptocurrency-wallet impersonation warning.
• 4 August 2026 NZSAFE manually verified that the official page remained accessible.

Variants

• Scammers may impersonate both Police and cryptocurrency-company representatives.