Scam warning for vehicle owners

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is warning vehicle owners of a text message scam that tells people their licence needs to be renewed within 24 hours.

It says the messages have been coming from an Australian number starting with +61 but do not make clear whether it is your driver licence or vehicle registration that needs renewing. 

The texts also provide a fake reminder number and a link to a fraudulent website.

Waka Kotahi says it never sends text message reminders and anyone who receives such a message should report the scam and not click on the link.

It is the latest problem to beset the agency and it also warns of bogus emails claiming to be from Waka Kotahi about vehicle licences, refunds and overdue tolls.

Vehicle owners are reminded to make sure emails are genuine and come from a @nzta.govt.nz or a @noreply.nzta.govt.nz address.

“Our emails will also include details about you, like your vehicle's plate number, your vehicle's make, and your current rego’s expiry date,” the agency adds. “A scam email often misses specifics like this.”

For details on the latest phishing scams affecting Waka Kotahi, click here.