End-of-year tax scams

With the end of the tax year in March, scammers are using this opportunity to trick people into giving away personal information by impersonating organisations like the Inland Revenue - Te Tari Taake (IR). Here's how this scam typically works and how you can protect yourself.

Scammers send emails or text messages that might look like they’re from a legitimate organisation, like the Inland Revenue (IR). These messages often include a link to "receive your refund" and may even state a specific refund amount or a link to confirm personal details before the refund is paid. 

The links in these messages often lead to fake websites that look like the official IR website.

By entering your personal information such as Internet Banking login details, goMoney PIN, credit card information, driver's license details, and two-factor authentication codes into these fake websites, you’re handing it directly over to fraudsters.

Scammers may call, claiming you have overdue taxes and pressuring you to share personal information or make a payment. They often use scare tactics to make you act quickly.

• If you receive a suspicious call, or a call where they’re asking for personal information, hang up immediately and contact the Inland Revenue (IR) directly using a number listed on their official website or that you know is legitimate:
  Contact us – Inland Revenue
• Do not click on links in emails or text messages and delete the message. Instead, type the official website address into your browser to avoid being redirected to a fake site.
• Always be cautious with unsolicited communications, especially those asking for personal information.
• You can read more about the latest IR scams on their website:
  Latest scams – Inland Revenue
• Report scam texts to the Department of Internal Affairs by forwarding the message to their free text number 7726.

Remember: 

If you think you’ve been the victim of a scam, please call ANZ immediately on 0800 269 296 (or +64 4 470 3142 from overseas, charges may apply).