Romance Scams Targeting New Zealanders
New Zealanders are disproportionately targeted by romance and investment hybrid scams — particularly pig butchering — given the country's high internet usage, affluent demographics, and relatively small, trusting online communities.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
New Zealand's Consumer Protection agency and Netsafe receive growing numbers of romance scam reports each year. The country's small population and high social trust make New Zealanders particularly vulnerable to scammers who invest heavily in personalised relationship-building before introducing a financial ask.
Pig butchering — where a romance scam converts into a fake investment opportunity — is increasingly common. Victims often do not report because of shame, and those who do often discover the perpetrators are based in Southeast Asian scam compounds far beyond the reach of New Zealand law enforcement.
How this scam works on New Zealand
Victims meet the scammer on Facebook, Instagram, or Bumble. The scammer's profile shows a successful professional lifestyle, often claiming to be an engineer, entrepreneur, or surgeon based overseas. Communication moves quickly to WhatsApp where the relationship deepens over weeks.
Investment conversations arise: the scammer mentions trading profits, shares tutorials, and invites the victim to invest alongside them on a recommended platform. Small test withdrawals work, encouraging larger deposits. Ultimately, withdrawal of the full balance is blocked by fabricated compliance fees or tax requirements.
Some New Zealand victims take out KiwiSaver early-withdrawal hardship claims or refinance property to fund deposits into these platforms. The financial and emotional damage is severe.
Common red flags
- Online partner who pivots quickly to discussing investment or trading opportunities
- Investment platform that cannot be verified with the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) New Zealand
- Profile with high-end lifestyle images whose reverse search matches stock images or other accounts
- KiwiSaver or property equity withdrawal being encouraged to fund investment
- Withdrawal blocked by 'FMA compliance fees' or 'tax clearance' requirements
How to protect yourself
- Verify any investment platform with the FMA at fma.govt.nz before depositing
- Never use KiwiSaver, home equity, or borrowed funds for investment on a platform recommended by an online contact
- Run a reverse image search on your contact's photos and search their name plus 'scam'
- Report suspicious platforms to the FMA before engaging
- Contact Netsafe for confidential advice at netsafe.org.nz or 0508 638 723
How to report it
- Report to the FMA at fma.govt.nz or call 0800 434 566
- Report to Netsafe at netsafe.org.nz
- File a police report with NZ Police and contact your bank immediately if funds were sent
Frequently asked questions
Can I withdraw KiwiSaver funds early if a romance scammer told me to?
KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals require genuine financial hardship. Accessing funds because an online contact advised it is not a valid reason, and doing so under false hardship grounds could create legal issues. Contact the FMA and your KiwiSaver provider immediately if you have been advised by an online contact to withdraw.