The Financial Markets Authority and Commerce Commission have launched a campaign to raise awareness of investment scams among Pacific communities in New Zealand.

The campaign follows concerns raised about scams targeting Pacific communities as well as the rise in scams from COVID-19, the FMA says.

One way to check if a Financial Services provider is marketing an investment scam or pyramid scheme is to check they are lawfully compliant by being on Financial Services Providers Register.

Another way is to check with the FMA warnings or learn more about the warning signs of scams through the FMA’s dedicated scam information.

“The key overarching message for anyone thinking about investing money is to do your own research into the person or company offering the investment,” the FMA says.