The Hibiscus Coast community and New Zealanders nationwide can now report scam messages with greater ease, thanks to a new feature in Apple’s latest iOS update.

This initiative, delivered in collaboration with the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) and New Zealand telecommunications providers, aims to combat scam texts and protect users from fraud.

With the iOS 18.2 update, available to iPhone 14, 15, and 16 users (depending on their mobile provider), suspicious messages can be reported directly to the DIA using the “Report Junk” option.

Once selected, the message details are automatically forwarded to the DIA, enabling swift action.

The DIA has partnered with Apple, 2degrees, One NZ, Spark, and Modica Group to enhance scam reporting and detection.

Information gathered from public reports is shared with mobile providers, who use it to identify, disrupt, and block phone numbers associated with scams.

This collaboration aims to safeguard Kiwis’ privacy and prevent financial losses.

Joe Teo, Manager of Digital Messaging at the DIA, highlighted the importance of public participation: “We know that we need all hands on deck to help protect New Zealanders from scammers, and this initiative is a great example of how we are actively working together with industry to make New Zealand networks safer.”

Paul Brislen, CEO of the New Zealand Telecommunications Forum, echoed this sentiment, describing the new tool as “a very powerful tool in Aotearoa’s fight against scammers” by enabling real-time blocking of offending numbers.

Stuart Wilson, CEO of Modica Group, emphasised the value of automation in scam detection: “Being able to use our safe and secure platform to automate scam reporting and provide it in an easily consumable format to DIA and other fraud teams is a significant step forward in combatting scams.”

Users who report scam messages can expect an automated response from the DIA.

The feature is set to expand to other Apple and Android devices by 2025.

For now, New Zealanders can continue using the free 7726 Report Spam Service by forwarding suspicious messages to that number.

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