Netsafe Scam Update July 2025

New Zealand's online safety organisation Netsafe has observed an increase in consumer products and service fraud scams in July when compared with the previous month.

Reports within the scam type increased from 136 in June to 171 in July - a 25 percent increase month on month.

These scam types normally involve scammers creating misleading or fake listings for products or services. Examples include online shopping scams, bogus furniture movers, and escort services. These types of scams are known as a 're-active' type, meaning the scammer sets up a seemingly legitimate listing or service and waits for someone to engage with it — often through trusted platforms like marketplaces or classified ads.

The increase in July was led by social media marketplace sellers claiming to sell non-existent products, as well as bogus online gambling services.

Netsafe's Digital Harms Service Manager says third-party reviews go some way to verify the legitimacy of a product or service.

"When you’re online, you don’t have to be alone. You’ll find some of the most vocal people on the internet who have shared their experience with different websites and sellers. Look for real reviews published by third parties to help give you an idea of what to expect before parting with your money," they say.

The increase in July is a reminder about the importance of learning to identify and avoid online scams.

Some common consumer product and service fraud scam red flags can include being asked to send money overseas or to communicate on a platform different to where you first connected.

What to do if you've been scammed on Facebook Marketplace

• Document everything: Keep records of all transactions, messages, and details.

• Report the scam to Facebook: Use Facebook's reporting tools to report the scam and the user involved.

• Contact your payment provider: Seek assistance from your bank for fraudulent transactions. • Raise awareness: Inform others in your buying and selling groups about the scam.

• Report to the Police: Report the scam to your local police station.

Report Facebook Marketplace scams

If you think you’ve been affected by a Facebook Marketplace scam, inform your friends and family to help them avoid falling victim.

You can contact Netsafe seven days a week for free, confidential and non-judgmental advice about an online issue impacting you or someone you know.

Whilst we cannot investigate or track scammers, we can provide advice on steps you can take to stay safe and what to do if you think you’ve been scammed.

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

Our helpline is open from 8am – 8pm weekdays and 9am – 5pm on weekends.

Our free number is 0508 638 723

Netsafe’s Re:Scam can engage scammers in prolonged email exchanges, mimicking human conversations powered by AI with an infinite variety of personas and a system to keep the scammer guessing.

© Scoop Media