�ٴ�� - Computer users

I have an alert on my screen from the Police saying my files are encrypted/my computer has been blocked, and that I need to pay a fine to have my computer unencrypted/unblocked. What should I do?

webadmin — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 01:03:09 +0000

Do not pay any money. These schemes often ask you to use a legitimate company, such as Ukash, to pay the fine, however this is not from the Police or any other law enforcement agency. This is caused by a type of malware (malicious software) called Ransomware.

Please visit Netsafe’s Security Central website for more information on scams and removal instructions for Ransomware.

Audience:

Computer users

People paying tickets/infringements

I've received an email from Police about carjacking - is it real?

kfbb93 — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:27:41 +0000

The email is a hoax and should be deleted.

For more information see our 2009 hoax email media release.

Audience:

Computer users

I received an email warning me about a scam where an 'engineer' phones your mobile and asks you to press #90 or #09. The email says they will then have access to your SIM card and be able to make calls at your expense. Is this true?

webadmin — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:27:36 +0000

No. This urban myth began as a genuine email from a police officer in England to his business and community contacts. It turned out to be a hoax but continued to spread years after the event. If you receive unsolicited emails, always read them carefully. Double-check the information is still valid by searching the internet before forwarding them to friends, otherwise they can go on needlessly feeding people's fears.

Audience:

Computer users

Someone has been sending me offensive emails or threatening / harassing me over the internet. What should I do?

webadmin — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:27:31 +0000

If the harassment is physically threatening or contains racial, sexual or religious overtones, it may constitute an offence and should be reported by calling us on 105 or visiting your local police station as soon as possible.

For more advice, visit NetSafe or freephone 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723).

If the person is harassing you online via email, an online messaging service or on a social networking site, you can also contact the site and ask them to deal with the person in accordance with their terms and conditions. You can also set up your email to block messages from unwelcome email addresses. NetSafe can help you with this.

If you feel you are in immediate danger call 111.

Audience:

Computer users

How can I tell if an email I've received is a scam?

webadmin — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:27:17 +0000

Use common sense and take a 'buyer beware' approach. If you don't know the sender and you're not expecting anything, don't open attachments. Never click on a link in an email, as it could send you to a fake website; instead, use the search engine (such as Google or Yahoo) to locate the site. Businesses like banks often post customer alerts on their websites if they have been targeted in a scam.

For more information on common scams, see the Consumer Protection, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)'s Scamwatch website.

Audience:

Computer users

Someone has tampered with my social networking site. What should I do?

webadmin — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:27:16 +0000

If it's serious and you know who it is, call us on 105.

NetSafe (0508 NETSAFE or 0508 638 723) can also give you information and advice on how to deal with this problem.

Audience:

Computer users

I met someone in a chat room/on a dating site and now they know where I live and I'm scared. What should I do?

webadmin — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:27:14 +0000

If that person's behaviour is disturbing or makes you concerned for your safety, call us on 105 or visit your local police station immediately. For more information on safe internet dating, see Netsafe.

Audience:

Computer users

I live overseas. I made a transaction over the Internet with a firm/person in New Zealand and they haven't sent the goods/haven't paid me. What should I do?

webadmin — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:27:13 +0000

If there is an indication of criminal involvement or a large amount of money is at stake, please report the matter to police in your country. You could also report the incident to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs Scamwatch website. Please note, however, that the Ministry of Consumer Affairs has no enforcement or investigative powers.

Audience:

Computer users

�ٴ��� - Computer users

I have an alert on my screen from the Police saying my files are encrypted/my computer has been blocked, and that I need to pay a fine to have my computer unencrypted/unblocked. What should I do?

I've received an email from Police about carjacking - is it real?

I received an email warning me about a scam where an 'engineer' phones your mobile and asks you to press #90 or #09. The email says they will then have access to your SIM card and be able to make calls at your expense. Is this true?

Someone has been sending me offensive emails or threatening / harassing me over the internet. What should I do?

How can I tell if an email I've received is a scam?

Someone has tampered with my social networking site. What should I do?

I met someone in a chat room/on a dating site and now they know where I live and I'm scared. What should I do?

I live overseas. I made a transaction over the Internet with a firm/person in New Zealand and they haven't sent the goods/haven't paid me. What should I do?

�ٴ�� - Computer users