Watch Out: New Zealand Politicians’ Names Used in Deepfake Scam

A new scam is targeting New Zealanders, and it’s using fake endorsements from well-known politicians to trick people into risky online investments. These scammers are getting creative, using everything from fake news articles to deepfake videos.

What’s Going On?

Scammers are pretending that New Zealand politicians are backing certain investment schemes. They’re using fake quotes, images, and even videos of these politicians to make their scams look legit. The names of these investment schemes keep changing, so it’s hard to pin them down.

How Does the Scam Work?

It all starts with ads on social media or news websites. These ads come in different forms:

• Some show a politician’s photo with a made-up quote about a new investment opportunity, like "Christopher Luxon says all Kiwis can retire at 45!"
• Others try to scare you with headlines like "PENSION PAYMENTS WILL BE CANCELLED IN NEW ZEALAND!"
• Some even feature deepfake videos, where it looks like a politician—like Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters—is talking about a new investment they’re supposedly endorsing.
• If you click on these ads, you’re taken to fake news articles that look like they’re from real New Zealand media. These articles include phony quotes from politicians, encouraging you to invest through a specific platform.

What Happens If You Fall for It?

These fake articles usually link to other websites promoting investment platforms or so-called “educational” materials. They’ll ask you to sign up by giving your contact details.

Once you do, a scammer pretending to be an investment broker will contact you. They suggest starting with a small investment—around US$250 or NZ$420. After that, they’ll try to convince you to invest more.

How to Protect Yourself

If you see news stories or ads that sound too good to be true, or that feature politicians pushing investments, take a step back. Always double-check the information through trusted sources before making any financial decisions.

If you think you've been scammed, here’s what to do:

Act Fast

Contact your bank right away. Ask if they can reverse the transaction. If you used another payment service, get in touch with them to try and trace the money.

Downloaded Software? 

If the scam involved you installing remote access software, reach out to an IT expert immediately. They can check your device for malware. If you logged into any bank or payment accounts while that software was active, let those account providers know.

Constant Scam Calls? 

Report these calls to your phone provider so they can help block them.

Spam Messages? 

If you're getting spammy emails or texts, report them to New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs or your local authority.

Talk to Someone You Trust

Share what happened with a close friend or family member. They might offer advice, help deal with the situation, or support you in figuring out what to do next.

Need More Support?

Contact New Zealand’s Victim Support at 0800 842 846 for free emotional and practical help.

This article was published in collaboration with New Zealand's Financial Markets Authority

Image Source: Pexels.com