Westpac NZ is warning New Zealanders to watch out for festive season scammers, with new data from the bank showing online shopping fraud and scams are on the rise.
In the 12 months to October 2025 fraudulent e-commerce - involving fake online merchants or the fraudulent use of someone's card details online - have represented the highest number of cases reported by Westpac customers, impacting more than 5,600 people.
Westpac NZ Financial Crime Investigations Manager Jessica Channing says December is typically a busy month for fraudsters and scammers. In December last year, Westpac data shows e-commerce fraud cases increased 25% compared to the previous month.
"They know the lead-up to the festive season is a prime time to target people," Ms Channing says. "Not only are people typically spending more at this time of year, they're also often busier than usual and so might be more distracted and susceptible to fraud and scams.
"Fake online offers target people by offering in-demand items at competitive prices, but the product never arrives. Unfortunately, we do often see these types of scams popping up on social media channels, as well as unscrupulous people offering fake items on online marketplace sites."
Ms Channing says many people feel additional financial pressure at this time of year so bargains are attractive, which may make people more susceptible to falling for these kinds of fraud and scams.
"People should also definitely take a moment to consider how valid an offer that requires them to provide their card details is, as that bargain could cost them a lot more in the long run."
Fraudsters and scammers also know many people are waiting for online orders to be delivered at this time of year, resulting in an uptick in parcel scams.
"It's easier to trick people into giving their card details by sending them a fake tracking update link where they need to 'verify' their address or pay a final delivery or release fee to receive their parcel," Ms Channing says.
Often these phishing scams impersonate a seemingly relevant and trusted source, such as NZ Post.
People can avoid an unwanted visit from Scammer Claus this festive season by remaining vigilant and verifying the link they have been sent before clicking it, and using the crime-fighting technology available.
"If people are spending online, all Westpac debt and credit cards come with dynamic security codes that change after 24 hours in the Westpac One app, limiting how long online fraudsters can use your card details if they're stolen," Ms Channing says.
"Our data shows customers are about 66% less likely to suffer card fraud if they use the dynamic security code, compared to using the static code on their physical card."
Common festive season fraud and scam tactics to watch out for:
- Urgent requests: If a request puts time pressure on you verify it first.
- Links to click: Emails or text messages prompting you to click on links or attachments.
- Extreme bargains: Offers that appear too good to be true usually are.
- Parcel scams: Only use provided tracking numbers to independently review a delivery status.
- Fake websites. Watch out for unfamiliar brands or websites, particularly if you come across them through social media.
