Warning over banking phone scam

CEO of the New Zealand Bankers Association Karen Scott-Howman.

Kiwis are being told to steer clear of a "survey scam" from cold-callers claiming to be from the "Bankers Association of New Zealand".

The New Zealand Bankers' Association today warned people about the survey and that they were not associated with it.

The banking group said it had received reports from people getting unsolicited calls from an organisation called the "Bankers Association of New Zealand" claiming to be doing a customer satisfaction survey and seeking personal information.

"We strongly encourage people not to engage with these callers. They do not represent the New Zealand Bankers' Association and are highly likely trying to obtain personal information for criminal purposes," said NZBA chief executive Karen Scott-Howman.

"Never give out personal information to unsolicited callers. That includes your full name, date of birth, bank account details and PINs and passwords.

"Neither the Bankers' Association nor your bank would ever ask you for confidential information such as your PIN or password.

"If in doubt, just hang up," she said.

"We'd like to thank the vigilant members of the public who reported this scam to us. We all have a role to play in keeping ourselves and our information safe from fraudsters."