Netsafe is urging New Zealanders to take extra care when considering investment opportunities, as new data shows a sharp increase in financial losses and the average amount lost to investment scams.

In March, Netsafe received reports of investment scams totalling $39,100 in losses. In April, that figure more than doubled to $81,500. At the same time, the average loss rose significantly, from $7,800 in March to over $20,000 in April.

While month-to-month figures can fluctuate due to small sample sizes, the longer-term trend highlights the significant harm caused by these scams. Over the past 12 months, investment scams reported to Netsafe have resulted in total losses of $1.23 million, with an average loss of $14,800 per victim. Recent data suggests that average losses are trending upwards again.

Netsafe Digital Harms Services Manager Alex Yi says the figures reflect a shift toward more sophisticated, high-value scams.

“These scams are highly convincing and often involve weeks or even months of grooming before any money is requested. Scammers can sound like legitimate investment brokers, and their websites often look identical to genuine platforms,” he said. "One method gaining traction is the use of well-known public figures or ‘celebrity’ endorsements to create a false sense of trust.”

Globally, investment scams consistently account for one of the highest financial losses reported to consumer protection agencies. While fewer people may be targeted compared to other scam types, the financial impact on victims is often significantly higher.

Yi says anyone can be targeted. “Investment scams don’t just affect vulnerable people — experienced investors are often prime targets. These scams are designed to appear credible and can catch people off guard.”

Netsafe is encouraging people to take simple steps before investing, including independently verifying any opportunity using trusted sources such as the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and Netsafe’s own tools.

Red flags to watch out for:

• Investments promoted or endorsed by celebrities or public figures
• Promises of high returns with little or no risk
• Unexpected contact about an investment opportunity
• Pressure to act quickly or keep the opportunity secret
• Requests to move conversations to private messaging apps
• Use of AI-generated content such as deepfake videos or fake profiles

In New Zealand, it is illegal to sell financial products via cold calling. Any unsolicited approach should be treated with extreme caution. The Financial Markets Authority also advises that legitimate investments will always provide clear documentation, identifiable company details, and verifiable registration information.

Where to get help and check an investment:

FMA warning list

Netsafe scam advice

Anyone who thinks they may have been targeted by a scam can contact Netsafe for free, confidential support.

Report to Netsafe

If you need assistance or support Netsafe has got you covered.

Contact us by completing an online report form, emailing us on help@netsafe.org.nz or texting on 4282.

Our helpline is open from 9am – 6pm weekdays.

Our free number is 0508 638 723.

1 Note: sample size was 25 in March 2026 and 22 in April 2026.

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