Banks, telcos unite to crush scam sites early
Banks, telcos and major digital platforms are teaming up with a New Zealand tech start‑up to block phishing websites before they can harm customers.
The initiative began as a pilot led by ANZ NZ and 2degrees and now includes Kiwibank, TSB, One NZ, Spark, and Trade Me. For security reasons, the name of the New Zealand technology company is not being made public.
“The aim is to detect, validate, block, and disrupt malicious domains within the first hour of a webpage going live,” said Alan Thomsen, head of customer protection at ANZ NZ. “We want to block those sites before our customers might view them and be put at risk of being scammed.”
Security researchers have already tracked more than 140,000 AI-generated phishing websites worldwide in 2025, so‑called “VibeScams” that mimic real brands and can be spun up in minutes – reinforcing why banks and telcos are racing to block new domains as soon as they appear.
Thousands of scam domains already disrupted
Since launch, the companies involved have disrupted more than five thousand malicious domains in just two months, sharply reducing the window of opportunity for scammers.
The technology has also helped reduce card phishing cases involving ANZ customers by 39% in two months, highlighting its effectiveness in protecting people from online scams.
An estimated 20,000 New Zealanders fall victim to phishing scams every year, costing them financially and emotionally.
“That’s why we have been working so hard to combat these scams,” Thomsen said. “We’re excited to be working with a New Zealand tech company to use their technology to disrupt these malicious sites faster and across more organisations.”
Why phishing sites are so dangerous
“Phishing” websites are designed to trick people into revealing personal information such as a customer’s name, credit card number, or login details. Some try to install malware or remote access tools that can enable larger, more sophisticated scams.
“Cross-industry co-operation is vital to swift and accurate identification and disruption of scams,” said Ivan Reutskiy, GM Security at 2degrees. “We are proud of the advances we have made with ANZ and others in this space, to help make people safer online.”
Reutskiy would like to see more Kiwi organisations join the programme to help disrupt the scam websites quickly and more effectively.
Fighting more complex, AI‑driven scams
As scams evolve, the partners say the focus is shifting from reacting to fraud to stopping it earlier.
ANZ has also recently reassured customers affected by external data breaches that its banking systems remain secure, while warning that stolen contact details can still be used as a starting point for scams.
“As scams become more complex and AI-generated attacks rise, we’re not just reacting to fraud, but disrupting the scammers before they can contact the New Zealand public,” Thomsen said. “It’s another way we’re building a safer banking experience for our customers and the wider public. Phishing websites are becoming more sophisticated. So, we all need to stay vigilant.”
How to stay safe online
The organisations involved stress that technology alone is not enough and customers still need to be cautious:
- Be cautious with unexpected messages: Phishing scams often start with emails or texts that look like they’re from trusted sources such as banks or government agencies. Clicking on malicious links can lead to losing your savings or having your credit card exploited.
- Watch for impersonation tactics: Scammers may pretend to be ANZ staff or fraud team members. They use convincing language and mimic real bank processes to trick people into transferring money or revealing sensitive information.
- Stay updated on current scams: ANZ regularly publishes alerts about the latest scams, including fake investment offers, mobile wallet fraud and impersonation schemes. Keeping informed helps you recognise red flags before it’s too late.
- Report suspicious activity immediately: Contact ANZ straight away if anything about your banking seems unusual or you believe your accounts might have been compromised. You can call 24/7 on 0800 658 044, or from overseas on +64 9 522 3010.
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