Safety Tips: Online & In Person

## Staying Safe in New Zealand ### Online Marketplace Safety **When Buying Online (Trade Me, Facebook Marketplace):** **Before Meeting:** - Research the seller (check reviews, profile) - Ask for more photos if needed - If price is too good to be true, it probably is - Never send money before seeing the item **Meeting for Exchange:** - Meet in a public place (mall, cafe, police station car park) - Tell someone where you're going - Bring a friend if possible - Meet during daylight hours - Don't invite strangers to your home **Payment:** - Cash on pickup is safest for small items - Bank transfer only after receiving item - Never use wire transfer or gift cards - Use Trade Me's safe payment system when available ### Common Scams to Avoid **Online Scams:** - "Shipping" scams - seller asks for payment for non-existent shipping - Fake rental listings - asking for bond before viewing - Overpayment scam - buyer "accidentally" pays too much - Phishing emails - fake emails from "banks" or "IRD" **Phone Scams:** - IRD/Police saying you owe money - "Tech support" from Microsoft/Apple - Investment opportunities - Prize/lottery winnings **In Person:** - Door-to-door sales pressure - "Tradies" offering cheap work - Charity collectors asking for bank details ### If You're Scammed 1. **Stop all contact** with the scammer 2. **Report to Police** - 105 (non-emergency) 3. **Report to Netsafe** - netsafe.org.nz 4. **Contact your bank** if money was paid 5. **Report to the platform** (Trade Me, Facebook) ### General Safety Tips **At Home:** - Lock doors and windows - Don't open door to strangers - Don't share your address online - Get to know your neighbours **Out and About:** - Be aware of your surroundings - Keep valuables hidden - Use well-lit streets at night - Trust your instincts **Personal Information:** - Don't share IRD number unless necessary - Be careful with passport copies - Shred sensitive documents - Check bank statements regularly ### Useful Safety Contacts | Service | Contact | |---------|---------| | Police Emergency | 111 | | Police Non-Emergency | 105 | | Netsafe | netsafe.org.nz | | Consumer Protection | consumerprotection.govt.nz | | Victim Support | 0800 842 846 | | Women's Refuge | 0800 733 843 | ### Resources - **Netsafe** - Online safety help and reporting - **Community Law** - Free legal advice - **Citizens Advice Bureau** - General advice - **CERT NZ** - Cyber security reporting