Fake Tech Support Scams Targeting New Zealanders
New Zealand consumers receive fake Microsoft, Apple, and bank fraud department calls, as well as pop-up computer scares, that trick victims into paying for non-existent fixes or granting remote access to their devices.
Part of: Fake Tech Support Calls
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Netsafe and Consumer Protection New Zealand receive significant numbers of reports about tech support fraud. New Zealand's older internet-using population is disproportionately targeted, but younger victims increasingly encounter the scam through browser pop-ups on news and entertainment websites.
The Consumer Guarantees Act and Fair Trading Act provide frameworks for legitimate disputes, but they offer no practical protection against overseas scammers who take payment before disappearing. The focus for victims must be prevention and rapid reporting.
How this scam works on New Zealand
A victim's browser displays a warning claiming their device is infected and provides a phone number for Microsoft or Apple support. The caller walks the victim through steps that appear to confirm a virus — including running legitimate Windows or Mac diagnostic commands that produce output the caller misrepresents.
Remote access is requested via AnyDesk or TeamViewer. Once connected, the operator may show the victim a list of 'infected files', transfer money from savings to a checking account 'for security', or harvest stored passwords.
ASB, ANZ, and BNZ bank impersonation variants call claiming a suspicious transaction is pending, ask for an OTP to cancel it, and immediately use the OTP to authorise a large outgoing transfer.
Common red flags
- Browser pop-up with Microsoft or Apple branding and a New Zealand 0800 number
- Caller requesting AnyDesk or TeamViewer access to fix a problem they identified without your request
- Bank fraud caller who asks you to read out the OTP just sent to your phone
- Support caller who asks you to buy Prezzy cards (gift cards) to pay for a repair service
- Person on the call who uses specific NZ references (e.g., Kiwibank, ANZ NZ) to appear local
How to protect yourself
- Close browser pop-ups with security warnings by closing the browser window — they cannot scan your device
- Microsoft and Apple do not make unsolicited calls — hang up and call them back using the official number
- Never share an OTP with anyone, including a caller claiming to be your bank
- Contact your bank using the number on your card to verify any fraud alert before acting on it
- Report tech support scam calls to Netsafe at netsafe.org.nz
How to report it
- Report to Netsafe at netsafe.org.nz or 0508 NETSAFE (638 723)
- Report to Consumer Protection NZ at consumerprotection.govt.nz
- Contact your bank immediately if remote access was granted or OTPs were shared
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I already gave a scammer remote access to my New Zealand computer?
Disconnect from the internet immediately by unplugging ethernet or turning off Wi-Fi. Change all passwords, especially for banking and email, from a different device. Contact your bank to alert them to potential account compromise. Run a full antivirus scan. Report to Netsafe and NZ Police.