Scammers took $265 million from Kiwi bank accounts in the past year, putting Hibiscus Coast residents on alert.

Payments NZ has released its first Reported Fraud Monitor for New Zealand, drawing on data from 12 banks.

It shows $265 million in reported gross fraud over the last 12 months taken from customer accounts.

The figure covers scams where people were tricked into sending money and cases where personal details were stolen without the account holder knowing.

For Coasties banking online or on their phones, it is a clear sign to slow down and double-check what lands in their inbox or messages.

This Fraud Awareness Week, the Consumer Protection team is urging everyone to pause and think before clicking, replying, or paying.

Whether it is a fake online store, a suspicious delivery text, or an offer that seems too good to be true, taking a moment could save you a lot.

Their advice is summed up in three steps.

Stop, Check, Report:

• Stop and think before clicking, sharing, or making any payments.

• Check the source to make sure it is real.

• Report scams when you see them.

If you have been targeted, stop all contact with the scammer, do not make any more payments, and contact the bank or service you sent money through.

Be alert. Stay scam safe.

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