New group launched to target scammers

File photo / Thinkstock

A group tasked with raising scam awareness has been launched to coincide with Fraud Awareness Week.

Consumer Affairs Minister Chris Tremain today announced the formation of the cross-agency group which will work to identify and publicise scams.

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs will chair the committee, which also includes the Department of Internal Affairs' anti-spam compliance unit and non-government organisation Netsafe.

"This group will combine their resources to raise awareness, identify trends and provide comprehensive data to enforcement agencies," Mr Tremain said.

"The internet is making it even easier for fraudsters to deceive people through online fraud like dating and investment scams. Awareness needs to be raised to help people recognise scams before it is too late."

Mr Tremain said one in 10 New Zealanders who were approached by scammers handed over money, with the average victim losing almost $5000.

The committee's launch conicides with the start of Fraud Awareness Week, which is being launched at a "Scamscape" conference in Wellington.

Fraud prevention experts, businesses, advocacy groups, and Government agencies are attending the conference to discuss ways to combat online fraud.