Immigration authorities in New Zealand have issued a strong warning to residents and visa holders following a rise in phone scams targeting migrants. These calls may appear convincing, but they are entirely fraudulent and designed to scare individuals into handing over money or sensitive personal information.
According to Immigration New Zealand (INZ), scammers are now calling people from New Zealand mobile numbers while falsely claiming to be immigration or relocation officials. Their primary tactic is fear—using threats to pressure victims into immediate action.
How the Phone Scam Typically Works
Fraudsters follow a predictable pattern intended to create panic and confusion.
- They claim there is a problem with your visa or immigration status
- You may be asked to press a number to speak with an “operator”
- They threaten visa cancellation, deportation, or legal action
- They demand immediate payment or request sensitive information
In many cases, callers ask for passport details, bank information, login credentials, or direct reimbursements.
What Immigration New Zealand Has Confirmed
Immigration New Zealand has made its position very clear:
- INZ does not call people to demand payment
- INZ does not request banking or financial details by phone
- Any call making such demands should be treated as a scam
If you receive such a call, authorities advise ending the conversation immediately.
What To Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call
If you believe a call may be fraudulent, take the following steps:
- Do not share any personal or financial information
- Do not confirm your visa, passport, or bank details
- Hang up immediately
You should then report the incident to the appropriate authorities.
Report the Scam
- Submit a report to CERT NZ using their online reporting form
- Contact Netsafe in New Zealand on 0508 638 723 for guidance and support
Reporting scams helps authorities identify patterns and warn others before more people are affected.
How to Safely Check Your Visa Status
If a suspicious call causes concern about your immigration status, there is a safe and official way to verify your details.
Contact the Immigration New Zealand Service Hub directly using official contact details from the INZ website. They can confirm your visa status without risking your personal information.
Why Migrants Are Often Targeted
Phone scams like these are part of a wider global trend. Migrants and visa applicants are frequently targeted because scammers know immigration issues can feel urgent and intimidating.
Fraudsters exploit:
- Fear of visa cancellation
- Lack of familiarity with local procedures
- Pressure to act quickly
Immigration New Zealand urges all migrants to stay alert, protect personal data, and rely only on official government websites and verified contact channels.
Conclusion
The rise in phone scams targeting visa holders in New Zealand is a serious concern, but awareness remains the strongest defence. If a call pressures you with threats or demands payment, it is almost certainly fraudulent.
When dealing with immigration matters, always slow down, verify information independently, and use official channels only. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts—it probably is.