Netsafe (New Zealand)

Netsafe is a New Zealand independent non-profit organisation focused on online safety. It is funded by the New Zealand government and operates the national helpline for online safety concerns, reachable at netsafe.org.nz or 0508 638 723. While Netsafe covers a broad range of online harm including cyberbullying and harassment, it provides specific services for online scam and fraud victims, including personalised advice, evidence preservation guidance, and referrals to the appropriate reporting bodies.

Netsafe also assists victims of investment scams, romance fraud, and phishing attacks in understanding their options and navigating the New Zealand system. For financial losses, it refers victims to the New Zealand Police (105.police.govt.nz), the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) for investment fraud, and the Banking Ombudsman Scheme for disputes with banks. Netsafe can provide a letter of support for victims who need documentation of their experience.

Netsafe administers part of the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015, which gives it formal powers to request takedowns of harmful online content, though this is more relevant to harassment than to financial fraud. For consumers, Netsafe is most useful as a no-judgement first contact where experienced advisers can help them decide what to do next without the formality of a police report.