-
1Tahi
Lock down logins with a password manager
Using a password manager takes the hassle out of remembering your online credentials. Password managers generate complex, random passwords for every account that are hard to crack. And the best bit? You'll only need to remember one master password.
Make sure you do your research to check you're using a reputable password manager with good security credentials.
-
2Rua
Monitor your accounts like a pro
Check your transactions regularly. Even tiny charges can be a scammer testing the waters. If you see something unusual, follow up with your bank immediately and consider putting a temporary block on your cards.
-
3Toru
Avoid public Wi-Fi for banking & purchases
Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecure, making it easy for hackers to intercept your data or trick you with fake hotspots to steal sensitive info like passwords or credit card numbers.
To protect yourself, avoid using public networks for all financial activity, such as online banking or shopping. Use mobile data or wait until you can access a secure, private connection.
-
4Whā
Know their tricks
Learn the classic scammer playbook and arm yourself with knowledge about common types of scams. Strengthening your ability to spot and avoid scams is one of the most effective ways to stop them before any damage is done. Stop and think, "is it really real?".
-
5Rima
Know what to do, just in case
Scams are designed to trick us and there's no shame in being scammed. If you've noticed something unusual or think you might have been scammed, focus on the practical steps you can now take to address the situation.
Taking action quickly could help to minimise the impact on you and your finances.
-
6Ono
Educate your friends & whānau
Scams can affect anyone, regardless of age or how tech-savvy they are. Talk with your family and friends about types of scams and how to stay safe — like using strong passwords, turning on multi-factor authentication and spotting red flags.
Want an easy way to start? Get them to take the scammer's nightmare challenge. It’s a great way to start a conversation and protect everyone.
-
7Whitu
Give it another go
Now that you've learned how to dial up your defences, take the scammer's nightmare challenge again to see if you can improve your score.
Keep raising your scare factor

Is it really real? Scams are getting harder to recognise, but knowing what to look for helps. See if you can tell the difference between a scam and the real thing.