6:00PM, 17 July 2026
TLP Rating:
Scammers impersonating police to target victims for cryptocurrency theft
The NCSC is aware of a scam circulating where criminals are impersonating the New Zealand Police and contacting cryptocurrency wallet holders.
We are aware that scammers have spoofed (impersonated) the official Police National Headquarters phone number (04 474 9499). Scammers are telling victims their cryptocurrency details were exposed and are instructing them to visit a malicious website and enter details about their cryptocurrency wallet, including seed phrases (the secret phrase used to access cryptocurrency wallets).
What to look for
How to tell if you're at risk
If you own cryptocurrency and know or suspect you have been involved in a data breach. Scammers have gained access to victims’ details from past data breaches.
If you have received an unsolicited call from someone impersonating New Zealand Police or a cryptocurrency wallet support team claiming your details have been exposed.
How to tell if you're affected
You might be affected if you have:
- followed instructions to enter your cryptocurrency details into a malicious website.
- shared your seed phrase.
What to do
Prevention
Be wary of calls from unknown numbers. If you think you have received a scam call, check to see if it was legitimate by contacting the organisation directly through their official phone number or other official channels.
Do not follow any instructions to share your cryptocurrency details. Especially, do not share your seed phrase.
Never store your seed phrase digitally in an unencrypted format.
Mitigation
If you have been targeted by this scam and believe you are at risk or have been affected:
- Contact your digital currency exchange provider immediately.
- Report the scam to Police 105 (Fraud/Scam/Cyber | New Zealand Police) External Link and/or the NCSC.
More information
If you require more information or further support, submit a report on our website or contact us on 0800 114 115.
Report an incident