What we don't do
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) detects, investigates and prosecutes allegations of criminal fraud. But we cannot provide legal advice to the public nor be involved in any way with civil matters (i.e. litigation between private individuals or companies). If you have a civil matter, consult a lawyer or try the Citizens Advice Bureau.(external link)
The SFO is unable to provide advice or information on the safety of investments. Furthermore, we cannot comment on the integrity or competence of individuals or companies promoting investments. For financial advice information visit the Institute of Financial Advisers(external link).
Complaints regarding the quality of goods or services provided to you do not fall within our scope of responsibility.
If you believe you have received inferior products or services, you may have rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
Alternatively, if you think you’ve been misled or disadvantaged by unfair trading practices, you may have rights under the Fair Trading Act. You can learn more about this act from the Commerce Commission(external link), the government organisation that investigates such matters.
Small-scale frauds – such as dating scams, advance fee frauds and foreign lottery winning – typically originate outside New Zealand. The SFO does not generally pursue these cases unless some element of the operation occurs within New Zealand. But there may be laws in the country of origin that can assist you in pursuing such matters further.
See the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network(external link) for a list of overseas consumer agencies.
Scamwatch is an online reporting tool operated by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. This isn’t an enforcement agency – it’s a way to alert you to potential scams.
Also, Netsafe, a New Zealand non-profit online safety organisation, has a section on its website(external link) dedicated to scams.
Matters involving tax are assessed by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD)(external link). If you’d like to make an allegation of tax fraud, please phone the IRD on 0800 227 774.
Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) will investigate allegations of beneficiaries fraudulently obtaining a benefit. You can report a fraud by calling 0800 556 006 or going to the WINZ website(external link).
If you believe your identity may have been compromised, it should be reported to NZ Police immediately. Click here(external link) for further information.
The creation and use of false passports is administered by the Department of Internal Affairs(external link). They can be contacted at 0800 225 050.
Immigration is administered by Immigration New Zealand, which is part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. If you believe someone has falsified details pertaining to either an application for a visa, or, is currently within the country on a false or invalid visa, you should contact Immigration New Zealand(external link).
The Registrar of Companies is responsible for ensuring company directors comply with their statutory obligations, including those under the Companies Act 1993 and the Financial Reporting Act 1993. In certain cases, the Registrar may also prohibit a person from acting as a company director. Complaints concerning company directors should be directed to the National Enforcement Unit of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
If you have a complaint about the conduct or service that a lawyer has provided, the New Zealand Law Society operates a Lawyers Complaints Service(external link).