Inland Revenue scams
Scams currently impersonating Inland Revenue, based on Inland Revenue's own security warnings. Last checked 25 September 2026.
Current Inland Revenue scams
No current alerts. Check back soon.
How to tell if it’s really Inland Revenue
Inland Revenue says:
- it will only ask for payment using its official methods, and will never ask for your password
- it does not put links in its emails; it tells you to log in to myIR yourself
- it will never ask for personal or financial details through social media, or message you privately on a social media app
- its text messages to New Zealand mobiles come from 5678 or 4478, so a text from any other number is likely a scam
- its websites are ird.govt.nz, myir.govt.nz, taxtechnical.ird.govt.nz and taxpolicy.ird.govt.nz
A scam often threatens you, uses intimidating language, or says you will be arrested at once if you do not respond. Inland Revenue also notes it does not use phrases like “dear citizen”, “fiscal activity”, “excess payment” or “NZ Govt Tax Refund”.
If you’ve already clicked or paid
Email the details to phishing@ird.govt.nz. If you have lost money or given away personal information, call iDCARE on 0800 121 068.