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Why STAY SECURE?

In today’s digital-first world, scams are evolving in sophistication as criminals use new ways to trick unsuspecting consumers. At Visa, we stay one step ahead of bad actors by taking a 360-degree approach to ensure consumers can access convenient, reliable, and secure payments, anytime, anywhere. 

Education is key in the fight against fraud, and we continue to work with partners to help consumers spot fraudulent activity and protect sensitive information.

How to Spot a Scam

Understanding the language of scams is essential in our increasingly digital world. By highlighting the key communication strategies, words and phrases used by fraudsters, we aim to demystify the language of fraud and help consumers avoid falling victim to scams.

How Cybercriminals Fake Urgency?

Free Gift or a Scam?

Financial Opportunity or a Scam?

Urgent Action Required or a Scam?

Click on the links below to get more tips on how to Spot A Scam!

  1. Key Steps to Spot a Scam
  2. Watch Out — Phrases Fraudsters Use to Seem Legitimate
  3. Messages You Should be Suspicious About
  4. Scams Your Loved Ones Worry That You’ll Fall For

Visa Fraud Insights

Conducted by YouGov, Visa found that 93 per cent of Kiwis say they’re at least ‘somewhat’ knowledgeable when it comes to recognising online fraud and scams, with 51 per cent of those claiming to be ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ knowledgeable. Despite this, more than one in three (34 per cent) have been the victim of such a scam.
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  • People worry about the vulnerability of others: New Zealanders surveyed express concern for the older generation, with over 70 per cent of the view that older people are more likely to fall for common online scams, such as verifying account information, notifications of overdrawn bank accounts, or winning a giveaway.
  • Too good to be true: 27 per cent of New Zealanders claim to be likely to act on a call to action that offers a free gift or a free gift card.
  • Action required: 24 per cent of Kiwis said that they would react to digital communications posing as urgent.
Research was commissioned by Visa Inc. and conducted by YouGov Research in March 2023. 1,008 adults were surveyed in New Zealand. This information is provided “AS IS” and intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for advice. Visa Inc. and its Affiliates neither make any warranty or representation as to the completeness or accuracy of such information, nor assume any liability or responsibility that may result from reliance on such information.
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Visa Advanced Authorisation (VAA), its artificial intelligence (AI) based real-time payment fraud monitoring solution, has helped New Zealand financial institutions prevent $2731 million in fraud from disrupting New Zealand businesses in a year.
Visa Inc. data from VisaNet collected for 12 months ending March 2023 (April 2022 – March 2023). This information is provided “AS IS” and intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for advice. Visa Inc. and its Affiliates neither make any warranty or representation as to the completeness or accuracy of such information, nor assume any liability or responsibility that may result from reliance on such information.