How the Scam Builds Trust Before Taking More Money
These scams often begin with a social media advert, a fake news page, or a WhatsApp or Telegram group. The advert may use the name of a celebrity, business leader or media outlet, sometimes with an AI-generated video. It promises easy profits, insider tips, or guidance from a “teacher” and “assistant”.
After you click, the page asks for your name and phone number. A supposed adviser then encourages a small first payment. A fake dashboard, invented profit figures, or a small apparent return may be used to make the scheme look real. When you later try to withdraw, you are asked to pay tax, a security deposit, or a release fee. The money is usually not returned.
Four Warning Signs
- An unexpected opportunity: an advert, direct message, or group invitation approaches you first.
- Celebrity or media endorsement: screenshots, videos and news pages can all be faked.
- High returns, low risk, or a limited-time place: genuine investments do not guarantee profit or require an instant decision.
- More payment before withdrawal: stop immediately if you are told to pay to release your own money.
Three Checks Before You Pay
- Do not use an investment link in an advert or message, and do not provide identity documents, bank details, or verification codes.
- Check independently: search the organisation's name together with “scam warning”, then check FMA warnings and licensing information. Do not rely only on a website or screenshot supplied by the caller.
- Wait 24 hours and seek a second opinion. Do not transfer money if you cannot clearly explain where it goes, how returns are made, and how withdrawals work.
If You Have Paid or Shared Information
- Stop contact and do not pay any further “tax”, “security deposit”, or “release fee”.
- Contact your bank immediately, explain that you suspect an investment scam, and ask what protective or tracing action may be possible.
- Keep the advert, messages, web address, recipient account details, payment screenshots, and phone numbers.
- You can report the matter to NZ Police on the non-emergency number 105. If identity information may have been exposed, IDCARE can provide free support.
A celebrity endorsement, group screenshots, or a professional-looking platform do not prove an investment is genuine. Independent checks come before payment.
Any investment opportunity can wait a day. Agree that any request involving a transfer, cryptocurrency, remote-access software, or identity documents must be checked with another trusted person before taking the next step.