Image Alt Text: Minister Simpson and Caroline Rainsford
At Google, we recognise the importance of working together to create a safer online world for everyone. In addition to the work we do to improve our systems and protect you from scams, including using the latest advancements in AI, we’ve been partnering closely with industry, community groups and the Government to further our work to protect Kiwis from scams.
Today, I'm pleased to share that we're working as part of the new New Zealand Anti-Scam Alliance - a national effort that seeks to reduce the number of Kiwis falling victim to online financial scams. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting with Minister Scott Simpson (Commerce and Consumer Affairs) to share the news that we’re committing to the Australian Online Scams Code (AOSC) in New Zealand. This builds on our existing work, including last year’s launch of the Financial Services Verification to help combat scammers. To date, we are the only platform implementing financial services advertiser verification in New Zealand.
In an effort to keep Kiwis updated, we’re sharing three scams trends we’re tackling in addition to industry and government collaboration and how the latest AI is working to improve online safety. Through sharing tactics commonly used by scammers we can grow our collective understanding and become more vigilant in spotting and reporting threats:
Exploitation of major events: Scammers use AI to quickly adapt to topical moments, such as ‘end of financial year sales’ and breaking news, targeting everything from concerts and sporting events to natural disasters, when people feel pressured to act fast. Google strengthens our monitoring and enforcement during major events and crises, and has dedicated sensitive events policies that prohibit products or services that exploit, dismiss, or condone the sensitive event.
Safety tips: Be skeptical of “too good to be true” deals. Buy tickets and donate only through official channels. Verify charities and check URLs before clicking. Use the ‘About this result’ feature on Search for source information.
Malvertising: Increasingly our teams have observed scammers targeting more sophisticated users — those with valuable assets like crypto wallets or individuals with significant online influence. Scammers may use malvertising as an initial step in their attack cycle, often trying to convince users their software is safe, even urging them to ignore security warnings or turn off antivirus. Google actively works with trusted advertisers and partners to help prevent malware in ads through a combination of AI and human review. Accounts violating Google Ads malicious software policies are immediately suspended.
Safety tips: Download software from official sources and verify the URL. Be wary of offers of free versions of licensed software. Use Enhanced Safe Browsing to detect hidden risks when downloading encrypted files.
Package tracking & Toll Road Scams: These scams send fraudulent messages that appear to come from legitimate sources, tricking users into paying additional "fees" related to delivery of items or road tolls. In Google Messages we launched Scam Detection, which uses powerful on-device AI to detect suspicious patterns in SMS, MMS and RCS messages and warn users.
Safety tips: Check Website URLs before entering info, ensure the website address is legitimate (look for "https" and no typos). Be mindful of what you share online, especially personal and financial details.
We're committed to protecting people from these threats, and we want to empower Kiwis with the knowledge and tools to stay safe too.
Remember, staying safe online is a shared responsibility. For more information and resources on how to stay safe online, visit Google’s Safety Centre.
