New Zealand Scam & Fraud Statistics
New Zealand's CERT NZ recorded approximately NZD $25.7 million in direct cybercrime losses in 2024 — the highest annual total since records began in 2017.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
New Zealand's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which incorporates CERT NZ, publishes quarterly cyber security insights that track reported scam and fraud incidents. The figures cover incidents reported directly to CERT NZ and represent only confirmed, voluntarily reported losses.
All dollar amounts are New Zealand dollars (NZD). Broader industry estimates from organisations such as Netsafe and the Global Anti-Scam Alliance suggest losses well above official CERT NZ figures when unreported incidents are included.
Key figures
Approximately NZD $25.7 million
Total reported cybercrime losses to CERT NZ across all four quarters of 2024
Source: CERT NZ Quarterly Cyber Security Insights (Q1–Q4 2024) (2024)
NZD $6.8 million (up 24% from Q3 2024)
Reported cybercrime losses in Q4 2024
Source: CERT NZ Quarter Four Cyber Security Insights 2024 (2024)
36% (434 of 1,203 incidents)
Scams and fraud as a share of all incidents reported to CERT NZ in Q2 2024
Source: CERT NZ Quarter Two Cyber Security Insights 2024 (2024)
Key takeaways
- CERT NZ's 2024 total of roughly NZD $25.7 million is the highest annual direct-loss figure recorded since the agency started collecting data in 2017.
- A small number of high-value incidents drive a disproportionate share of losses — in Q4 2024, just 17 reports of over NZD $100,000 accounted for NZD $4.7 million of the quarter's total.
- Reported CERT NZ figures are a significant undercount; industry estimates place total scam losses in New Zealand at over NZD $194 million for the year to September 2024.
Frequently asked questions
How much did New Zealanders lose to cybercrime in 2024?
CERT NZ quarterly reports show approximately NZD $25.7 million in direct reported losses across 2024 — the highest annual total on record. Broader industry studies suggest the true total is far higher.
How do I report a scam in New Zealand?
Report cybercrime and scams to CERT NZ at cert.govt.nz or by calling 0800 CERT NZ (0800 2378 69). You can also report to the New Zealand Police.