Christmas shoppers are being warned to be on alert when buying online and using credit cards.
The NZ Bankers' Association is warning people to be cautious as Christmas offers a good opportunity for fraudsters.
Chief executive Karen Scott-Howman said: "At this busy time, it can be easy to let our guard down. While we're getting ready for the holidays, the fraudsters are hard at work.
"They love this time of year and will take advantage of people who are getting Christmas shopping done and catching up with friends and family.''
Members of the public were urged to protect Eftpos and credit cards at all times and to never share passwords or pin numbers with anyone - not even police or bank staff.
Other tips included shielding the pin pad while entering digits at an ATM machine and to always ensure a secure connection when logging into banking websites.
Authorities are also encouraging people to be careful with money.
Detective Senior Sergeant Iain Chapman, of the Auckland police financial crime unit, said: "If you are being asked to send or handle money online by someone you have never met, there is a high likelihood you are being scammed.
"Stop and question. Use simple internet searches to confirm validity. Type the company name followed by 'scam'. Chances are - if they are suspect - someone would have posted about it,'' he said.
"Police encourage you to talk about cyber fraud and security with your friends and family.''
Scott-Howman also warned about phishing scams used to lure people into revealing personal information over the phone or email.
Top tips
•Don't share your bank account login details, card, pins or passwords with anyone in person, online, over the phone or in emails or texts.
•Don't reply to, click on links or open any files in spam emails or text messages.
•If you think you are the victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately.
•Log in to internet banking by typing in a bank's full web address. Don't use links that appear to take you to your bank's website.
•Check you have a secure connection. Avoid logging in to internet banking using public Wi-Fi.
•Guard your Eftpos and credit cards at all times. Treat your card like cash.
•Shop with trusted retailers.