A new text message scam is doing the rounds and this one purports to be from Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).
A Times staff member received the text on June 15 from the email address davidghof@outlook.com.
The message states: “[Nzetc] Overdue Notice: Please log in to view your toll invoice.
“https://nz-ta-com.top/i. If you fail to pay, we will submit it to the court within 15 working days or so.
“Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency @2046.
“(Please reply Y, then exit the text message and open it again to activate the link, or copy the link and open it in your Safari browser).”
The NZTA recently issued an alert about the scam.
It says such messages typically tell recipients they need to renew their license within the next 24 hours, renew their driver license, vehicle license or vehicle registration, or pay overdue tolls.
The agency says it doesn’t sent messages for such reminders and never adds links to them.
“We never add links to text messages [and] links they include may look suspicious.
“The [scam] message comes from a +61 (Australia) or other overseas number.
“If you’ve provided your credit card or banking details contact your bank immediately and ask them to stop the suspicious payments.
“You may also need to request a new credit/debit card.
“If you’ve provided your driver license details contact us straight away to cancel your current photo driver license card and arrange for a replacement.
“Cancelling the card will stop anyone from being able to use it.”
