Staying Cyber Smart

At Lifetime, looking after your financial wellbeing includes helping you stay safe online. Lately, we’ve seen an increase in online scam attempts across the financial sector here in New Zealand, so we thought this was a good time to share a few friendly reminders on how you can stay protected.

What’s Been Happening?

We want to reassure you right off the bat: Lifetime has not been affected by any cyber breaches, and we continue to invest in strong security systems and industry best practices to keep your information safe.

That said, we’re seeing increased activity from cybercriminals who are targeting Kiwis with scams designed to trick or pressure people into handing over personal or financial information. These scams are becoming more sophisticated, so staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself.

What Could a Scam Look Like?

Cybercriminals aren’t just sending dodgy emails, they use a range of tactics to try and catch people off guard. Here are a few examples of what to watch for:

• Fake invoices or messages pretending to be from your adviser or bank
• Phone calls claiming to be from government departments or tech support
• Unexpected login notifications or password reset requests you didn’t initiate
• Requests for sensitive information, such as bank account details or IRD numbers
• Investment scams promising high returns or “urgent” opportunities

If something feels even slightly off, pause and double check – especially if the message is unexpected or trying to create urgency.

Scams We’re Seeing More Of

While scam tactics are constantly evolving, two recent examples have stood out for just how convincing and damaging they can be.

1. “Easy Money” Job Task Scam

A Wellington man lost over $22,000 to an online scam that started with what seemed like a simple offer: earn easy money by completing product reviews and online tasks. It started small, but quickly escalated. As he completed tasks, he was asked to invest more to unlock “higher commissions.” He was directed to professional-looking websites and communication came through messaging apps, all of it fake. By the time he realised what was happening, the money was gone.

2. Deepfake Job Interviews

A more sophisticated twist we’re seeing involves fake job interviews powered by AI. Scammers are using deepfake technology to create video calls with fake recruiters, sometimes even impersonating real company staff. These scams often begin with fake job listings or unsolicited messages, and once someone applies, they’re taken through a fake interview process. Victims have been tricked into handing over everything from their CVs and bank details to copies of their ID.

Online Safety Basics

You don’t need to be a tech expert to stay safe online. Here are three easy habits to stick with:

1. Use unique passwords for different accounts (and a password manager if that helps!).
2. Be cautious with links and attachments. If you didn’t expect it, don’t click it.
3. Stay on trusted platforms. If someone tries to move the conversation to a different messaging app, especially early in the conversation, that’s a red flag.

What Can I Do Following a Scam?

If you do fall victim to any scams, there are a number of places you can get assistance. For anything cyber-related, you can report an incident with CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team) who will help you determine what your next steps should be. You can also notify the police on their non-emergency line 105 if it isn’t life threatening.

For any incidents which give the cybercriminals access to your emails and/or personal information, please notify us as soon as possible – after taking any other steps above. If we’re aware, it means we can keep an eye out for anything suspicious such as someone pretending to be you.

We’re Just a Call Away

If you ever get a message, call, or email that doesn’t sit right, or if you're just unsure, give us a call on 0800 65 64 66. We’re happy to check it out with you.

Thanks for staying cyber aware with us. A little caution now can go a long way in keeping your financial future safe.

Disclaimer: This article has been prepared for the purpose of providing general information, without taking into consideration any particular person's objectives, financial situation or needs. Any opinions contained in it are held by the author as at the report date and are subject to change without notice.