In this report

Reports:

General guidelines

Fraudsters will always try to assure you they are legitimate. Always be suspicious of any offer to sell you goods or services over the phone, by fax or email, or at the front door.
Distrust any business that says you don't need to check their credentials - it's not unreasonable to check things out for yourself and it's always a good idea to do so.
Look closely at the product or service being offered and ask 'why is it being offered to me?' Don't buy it if you don't need it. Don't be pressured into a purchase. The seller is in it for themselves, not you.
Look closely at any finance arrangements being offered. Ask yourself 'why is this deal being offered to me?' Do the financial amounts make sense? Have they complied with the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act?
Don't respond to any offers made in spam emails. (Read more about spam at www.dia.govt.nz).
If someone contacts you, never give them your financial details or credit card numbers. However, if you contact an organisation and you're certain about what you're doing, then it may be OK to provide these details.

Remember: if it seems too good to be true - it probably is.