Investment Scams in New Zealand
How investment fraud targets New Zealanders through social media ads, cold-call boiler rooms, and crypto platforms, with reporting routes to FMA and Netsafe.
Part of: Investment Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
New Zealand's relatively affluent population and high digital engagement make it a consistent target for investment scam operations. The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) regularly warns the public about unauthorised offshore investment platforms and cloned regulated firm websites targeting New Zealand investors.
Crypto investment scams and fake trading platforms have become the dominant form, often promoted through social media advertising using fabricated celebrity endorsements.
How this scam works on New Zealand
Facebook and Instagram ads featuring well-known New Zealand public figures — politicians, television presenters, sports stars — promoting a cryptocurrency or trading platform are a consistent entry point. The ads link to news-style articles that appear on sites mimicking local news outlets.
Once victims register, a broker calls them from an offshore call centre and encourages increasingly large deposits. The platform shows consistent gains on a convincing dashboard. Withdrawal requests are declined with fee demands or account upgrade requirements.
Boiler-room cold calls target investors using lists purchased from data brokers, pitching shares in unlisted companies with fabricated prospectus documents and pressure tactics to invest before a 'closing date.'
Common red flags
- Social media ad featuring a New Zealand celebrity promoting a crypto or trading platform
- Trading platform not listed on the FMA's register of authorised financial service providers
- Unsolicited phone call from a broker pitching shares or forex trading opportunities
- Withdrawal request declined pending a tax payment or compliance fee
- News article promoting an investment that links to a site with a recently registered domain
How to protect yourself
- Verify all investment platforms on the FMA's Financial Service Providers Register at fsp.companiesoffice.govt.nz
- Report suspicious investment approaches to the FMA at fma.govt.nz before investing
- Do not engage with unsolicited calls about investment opportunities
- Search the FMA's warnings list at fma.govt.nz/warning-notices for the firm
- Consult a registered financial adviser independently before making significant investments
How to report it
- Report to the FMA at fma.govt.nz/contact
- Report cybercrime to Netsafe at netsafe.org.nz
- Contact your bank immediately if funds were transferred to the investment platform
Frequently asked questions
How can I check if an investment firm is authorised to operate in New Zealand?
The FMA's Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR) lists all authorised and registered financial service providers in New Zealand. If a firm is not on this register, it is not authorised to provide financial services in New Zealand and should be avoided. Check fsp.companiesoffice.govt.nz before investing.