Status: In force (Effective 8 May 2026)
Immigration New Zealand has issued an alert regarding fraudulent phone calls from individuals falsely representing immigration authorities using New Zealand mobile numbers. Visa holders and applicants should remain vigilant against callers demanding immediate financial payments or personal information.
What this means in practice
Recent fraudulent activity involves callers using spoofed New Zealand mobile numbers to target migrants and visa holders. Scammers frequently manufacture urgency by claiming critical visa discrepancies, threatening immediate deportation or legal action, and prompting targets to press designated phone keys. They may request confidential personal data, passport numbers, bank accounts, or immediate money transfers.
Immigration New Zealand never contacts individuals by telephone to demand payments or threaten immediate penalties. If you have questions regarding your visa status, you can independently contact the Immigration New Zealand Service Centre or review your details via Immigration Online.
Who should check this
This advisory is relevant for all current visa holders, prospective applicants, international students, temporary workers, and members of the public in New Zealand who may receive unsolicited contact regarding visa matters.
Practical checklist
- Hang up immediately: Disconnect the call without engaging, following automated prompts, or verifying personal details.
- Refuse payment demands: Never transfer money, purchase gift cards, or provide banking details over the phone to purported officials.
- Protect sensitive data: Do not disclose passport numbers, financial records, or login credentials to callers.
- Report fraudulent activity: File a report with CERT NZ via their online reporting portal or contact Netsafe on 0508 638 723.
Important limits or current position
This advisory reflects active security guidance published by Immigration New Zealand. Government agencies will never compromise official compliance protocols through informal telephone demands.
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This article is general information, not individual immigration advice.
Source note: Based on an official Immigration New Zealand announcement published 8 May 2026 [1]. Article status: In force.
[1] Immigration New Zealand. (2026, May 8). Immigration scam phone calls on the rise. Open source on immigration.govt.nz ↗