Netsafe Scam Update February 2026

02.03.26: Daily phishing scam reports are 14% higher in February than in January, as Netsafe warns recent data breaches are a reminder to remain vigilant of suspicious or out-of-the-blue emails and links.

While the total number of phishing scam reports was similar month to month, February's shorter length means there is a measurable increase in reports received each day. In January there were 66 reports overall, totalling 2.13 per day, compared with 69 reports in February, or 2.43 report per day. This represents an increase of over 14% for reports per day.

Phishing, also known as email scams or email fraud, is a deceptive tactic used by cybercriminals to trick people into divulging sensitive personal information such as bank account numbers and passwords. It often involves scammers contacting many people at once to try to get them to disclose confidential information, such as passwords, bank account numbers, and other financial information.

Scammers use this information to impersonate and/or defraud people. Phishing scams can seem like they're specifically targeted, but in reality, the scam is being sent to hundreds, if not thousands, of people at the same time – only some of these people need to fall for it to make it profitable.

Netsafe Digital Harms Service Manager Alex Yi says anyone who has recently been caught up in a data breach is more likely to be the target of a phishing scam.

Yi urged people to be extra cautious of messages that contain their personal information or requests for money - especially in the immediate aftermath of a data breach.

"If you receive a message that you think could be a phishing scam, it's important to check exactly where it's come from. Look out for misspelt email addresses or overseas phone numbers for organisations based in New Zealand," he says.

"If you're unsure, our advice is to find the publicly listed contact number for that organisation and ask them if the email is really from them. If you're sure it's a scam, block the email address or phone number the message has come from. You can do that by marking emails as spam, or by selecting the block option on your phone."

Yi added that even data breaches that don't include highly sensitive information can be used by scammers.

"Names and ages might not seem particularly sensitive, but scammers can use them to build trust and attempt to convince people they're from legitimate businesses.”

Anyone unsure or concerned should contact Netsafe for free, confidential advice.

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.

© Scoop Media