Federation issues scam warning

The Financial Services Federation (FSF) is urging Kiwis to be vigilant if contacted by anyone claiming to be from the organisation asking for money because it is a scam.

It has been made aware of its name and or logo being used fraudulently in attempts to obtain money or other private or financial information.

The FSF, which is the association for responsible finance and leasing companies operating in New Zealand, would under no circumstances ask members of the public for money.

“We want to do what we can to help prevent people from being sucked in by these revolting individuals,” says Lyn McMorran, pictured, the FSF’s executive director.

“We all know scammers can pose as government and bank representatives, and this is unfortunately a stark reminder that any organisation, especially in the financial services sector, is a target for their names and logos to be used to prey on people.

“How far-reaching this is we do not know. However, we have referred the matter to NZ Police and placed an alert banner on our website to warn anyone who might be contacted and seek verification there.

“We urge people to be wary of all unsolicited contact from any organisation asking for money or information, especially with a sense of urgency, and to contact their bank as soon as possible if they suspect they have been scammed.”

More information on how to protect yourself can be found at CERT NZ's website by clicking here.