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What is unsolicited messaging?

Spam, also known as a nuisance message, refers to an email, SMS text or other electronic message sent by a business that doesn’t follow the rules set out by the law and that people don’t want to receive.

The term spam can also sometimes sometimes be used for scam SMS, email or other digital messages that contain phishing or malware links in them. These are harmful messages that are designed to cause harm to the person receiving them.

 

Protect yourself against scams

What to do if you have been scammed

Remember scammers send thousands of messages a day so if you have been scammed do not feel embarrassed.

  1. Stop all contact with the scammer – Once you realise you are being scammed, do not continue the conversation. Hang up the phone. Don’t reply to emails, texts or letters scammers have sent you. If you have been scammed online, block the scammer from contacting you.
  2. Do not make any more payments – Some scammers target people caught in recent scams, e.g by pretending to be an enforcement agency that can return all of your money for a fee. Don’t give money to anyone on the promise they will get your lost money back.
  3. Report the scam – If you have lost If you have lost money in a scam or are getting threats you should contact NZ Police at police.govt.nz(external link)(external link).
  4. Talk to a trusted adult - If you have been the victim of a scam it’s important to talk to a trusted adult such as a parent or teacher so that they can help make sure you are protected.

How to report spam

Text spam

  • Report the text spam for free by forwarding the spam message to Te Tari Taiwhenua Department of Internal Affairs at 7726.
  • You can also watch the videos below that provide a step-by-step guide on how to report spam or scam messages to 7726:

How to report a scam text message to 7726 – Apple device

 

How to report a scam text message to 7726 – Android device 

Email spam

  • Report email spam by filling in the online form on the Te Tari Taiwhenua Department of Internal Affairs website(external link) or forward the email to complaint@spam.govt.nz.