TIPSLIFEHACKS

A rumour's been flying around, especially on WhatsApp, claiming the Finance Ministry is giving every New Zealander a whopping NZ$65,000. Sounds pretty incredible, right? Unfortunately, it's a complete hoax. Let's break down why this claim is false and what you need to know to avoid being caught out.

The Viral Claim: NZ$65,000 for Everyone?

The message circulating typically states that the Finance Ministry is distributing NZ$65,000 to all citizens. It often includes a link, urging recipients to click it to claim their share. This is a classic tactic used by scammers to steal personal information.

PIB Fact Check Debunks the Myth

The good news is, the Public Interest Journalism Fund (PIJF) – in this case, acting as a fact-checking body similar to the PIB in India – has thoroughly investigated this claim and confirmed it to be false. There is absolutely no government scheme offering such a large sum of money to every citizen.

Why is this a Scam?

This type of scam falls under the category of phishing. Here’s how it typically works:

• The Bait: A tempting offer (like free money) is used to lure you in.
• The Link: Clicking the link takes you to a fake website designed to look legitimate.
• The Hook: The website asks for your personal details – bank account information, date of birth, address, etc. – under the guise of verifying your identity or processing your payment.
• The Theft: Once you provide this information, the scammers can use it to steal your identity, access your bank accounts, or commit other fraudulent activities.

Protect Yourself – How to Spot a Scam

Here are some red flags to watch out for:

• Too Good to Be True: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Unsolicited Messages: Be wary of messages from unknown senders offering money or prizes.
• Suspicious Links: Don't click on links from untrusted sources. Hover over the link (without clicking) to see where it leads – if it looks strange or unfamiliar, avoid it.
• Requests for Personal Information: Legitimate government agencies will never ask for your bank account details or other sensitive information via email or WhatsApp.

What to Do If You've Been Scammed

If you think you may have fallen for this scam, take these steps immediately:

• Change Your Passwords: Update your passwords for all your online accounts, especially your bank accounts and email.
• Contact Your Bank: Alert your bank to the situation and monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity.
• Report the Scam: Report the scam to the New Zealand Police and the Department of Internal Affairs.

Stay Informed and Share the Word

Spread the word about this scam to your friends and family, especially those who may be less tech-savvy. By being vigilant and sharing information, we can help protect ourselves and others from falling victim to these online fraudsters. Remember, if in doubt, check with official sources before clicking on any links or sharing any information.