Embarrassment is what scammers count on. People who tried a shortcut are less likely to report, and scammers know it. The steps below do not require you to explain why you were looking for a licence.
In the first hour
- Stop. Do not send a “release” or “processing” fee. Repeat demands are part of the pattern.
- Keep evidence. Screenshot the profile, the chat, the account you paid, receipts and any links. Do not delete the conversation.
- Phone your bank. Netsafe says that if you have lost money you should contact your bank as soon as possible. Tell it plainly that it was a scam, and ask what it can do about the payment and your account.
In the first day
- Report to Netsafe. Call 0508 638 723 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm), text “Netsafe” to 4282, or use the online report form on netsafe.org.nz. Netsafe is an independent non-profit offering free support.
- Report to the Police. Use 105 for non-emergencies and online reporting. 111 is for emergencies, including if someone threatens you.
- Report the account to the platform where you saw it.
- If it involved a device or account compromise, the National Cyber Security Centre has a reporting tool for individuals and small businesses.
If you sent ID or photos
Netsafe suggests using the DIA identity theft checklist and contacting IDCARE, which provides free help and support for New Zealanders, if you think you were exposed to identity theft. Tell your bank you shared ID, and if you shared a passport or licence, think about how it could be used. If your driver licence was copied, you can ask NZTA about cancelling it by calling 0800 822 422; see lost, stolen or expiring licences.
If a card turned up in the post
Keep it out of use: not for driving, not as proof of who you are. The AA treats a fraudulent licence as no licence at all, and using a document you know to be forged can be an offence; see the law. We cannot advise you legally; a community law centre or lawyer will talk it through in confidence before you decide what to do with the card.
What to expect from recovery offers
After you report, someone may contact you offering to recover your money for a fee, claiming to be a lawyer, a bank, Netsafe or the Police. Treat that as a second scam. Check by contacting the organisation yourself through its public number. Netsafe says untraceable payment methods and urgency are classic scam markers; see red flags.
When you are ready for the real route
The lawful route is more affordable than the scam. How to get a driver licence sets it out, and converting an overseas licence covers drivers who already hold one.
Use Netsafe’s own response guide
Netsafe publishes a seven-step guide, “SOS Respond to a scam”, as part of its Get Set Up For Safety resources, along with a plain-language booklet on spotting scams. They are on netsafe.org.nz/scams and are free. Netsafe’s general advice is also worth following: never send money to people you have met online, legitimate organisations never ask for your passwords, and never grant remote access to your device unless you started the request.
A record you can reuse
Write down once, in order, what happened, and reuse it for your bank, Netsafe and the Police.
| Item | What to note |
|---|---|
| First contact | Date, platform, the account name or number |
| What was promised | The licence or document, the price, the deadline |
| What you paid | Dates, amounts, method and the receiving account |
| What you sent | Which ID documents, photos or details |
| What arrived | Nothing, a card, or a message asking for more |
After you report
- Expect more contact from the same people. Do not reply.
- Do not pay any “recovery” or “refund processing” fee.
- Watch your accounts and any credit or identity alerts for the next few months.
- If you are worried about what you did, speak to a community law centre or a lawyer in confidence.
Common questions
Can I get my money back after paying a scammer in NZ?
Sometimes, depending on how you paid and how fast you act. Contact your bank immediately and report to Netsafe. We cannot promise a refund.
What number do I call to report a scam in NZ?
Netsafe on 0508 638 723, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. For a crime, use NZ Police 105. In an emergency, 111.
What if I sent a photo of my passport or licence?
Tell your bank and contact IDCARE, which Netsafe recommends for free identity support. If your driver licence was copied, NZTA can cancel it.
Will I get in trouble for trying to buy a licence?
It depends on the facts, and this site cannot give legal advice. If a card was delivered or used, speak to a lawyer or community law centre.
Where can I report a cyber incident?
The National Cyber Security Centre has a report tool for individuals and small businesses on ncsc.govt.nz.