If you are a migrant, international student, or work visa holder living in Aotearoa, you need to read this immediately.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has issued critical advisories warning the community about a major surge in highly sophisticated phone scams. Fraudsters are actively targeting anxious visa holders, pretending to be government officials to steal money and personal data.
Because these scammers are using clever tricks to look completely legitimate, it's easy to panic. Let's break down exactly how this scam works, what it sounds like, and how you can protect yourself.
The Setup: What Does the 2026 Scam Sound Like?
The reason this specific phone scam is tricking so many people is that the scammers are using software to mirror genuine New Zealand phone numbers. When your phone rings, it looks like a local mobile number, not a sketchy international or hidden number.
According to reported cases, the scam usually follows one of two aggressive scripts:
Script 1: The "Urgent Visa Problem"
You answer the phone, and after a brief pause, an automated voice plays telling you there is an urgent problem with your visa and instructing you to "press 1" to speak to an operator. Once connected, a person will claim you face immediate deportation unless you pay a fine on the spot. They will demand your passport number, date of birth, and bank details.
Script 2: The "Active Status Processing Fee"
The caller tells you they are from INZ and just need to confirm your details to keep your visa active. They will ask for your passport information, home address, IRD number, and a "processing fee." If you hesitate or question them, they turn up the pressure, claiming your visa will be suspended immediately as a "final warning."
Remember: Scammers rely heavily on creating fear, panic, and urgency to make you bypass your logical thinking.
3 Golden Rules to Spot a Fake INZ Call
Immigration processes can be incredibly stressful, which makes it hard to keep a clear head when someone threatens your legal status. However, memorizing these three fundamental facts about how the real Immigration New Zealand operates will keep you safe:
INZ will NEVER ask for money over the phone. Legitimate application fees and levies are paid through official channels on the secure online portal, never via an over-the-phone credit card demand.
INZ will NEVER threaten deportation on a casual call. Immigration New Zealand follows strict, legal, written processes for visa issues. They do not call people out of the blue to demand cash or issue immediate verbal warnings of deportation.
Automated "Press 1" menus are a massive red flag. If an automated voice tells you your visa is in danger and demands you press a number to speak to an agent, it is a scam 100% of the time.
What to Do If You Get a Suspicious Call
If you receive a phone call that matches these descriptions, do not panic, and follow these quick steps:
Hang Up Immediately
Do not engage, do not argue, and do not press any numbers on your keypad.
Do Not Share Anything
Never give out your passport number, bank card details, IRD number, or home address.
Verify Your Status Safely Online
Instead of taking a caller's word for it, you can check your official visa status yourself. If you or someone else needs confirmation of your current immigration status, you can securely use official platforms like VisaView or the Visa Verification Service.
Call the Official INZ Contact Centre
If you want absolute reassurance about your actual visa status, call the genuine INZ Contact Centre directly at 09 914 4100. Their staff can pull up your client profile securely and confirm that your visa is perfectly fine.
Report It
Help protect the rest of the migrant community by reporting the call online to CERT NZ. If you are currently inside New Zealand, you can also report it or seek advice by calling Netsafe on 0508 638 723.
Spread the Word
Share this guide with your friends, family, and colleagues who are navigating the visa process. Staying informed is our best defense against fraud.
Need personalised immigration advice? If you are concerned about your visa status or have received a suspicious communication, speak to a Licensed Immigration Adviser. Book a free 15-minute consultation with our team today.