Tips to avoid being scammed

We’ve all seen the news recently showing more and more people are becoming unwitting victims of scams – whether that’s an email, phone call or text scam, with the latter being on the rise. So, how can you protect yourself from inadvertently sharing information that results in you being scammed of your hard-earned cash? Here are 3 tips to help you avoid being scammed.

1. Never click on links

If you’re sent an email or text message with a link to confirm or authorise something and you weren’t expecting it – don’t click on it. If you do click on the link, don’t enter any information. Scammers are getting increasingly clever and are fooling more people with spoof websites that look like the real thing. So, although the text might say you’re clicking onto your bank’s website and you go to a website that looks like it, it’s probably fake and you’ve just unknowingly given them your login details. Only ever visit the website by typing it into your browser yourself. And if in doubt about whether a text message is real, contact the place it supposedly came from.

2. Be wary about who you share your contact information with

If you’ve ever been annoyed by a text message or phone call in the middle of the night, you might be wondering how they got your information. Anytime you’ve shared your personal information to download a free copy of a pdf, or enter a competition, you’ve given them access to your contact details. Most reputable companies won’t share it, but some will sell your data to the highest bidder. These people then attempt to scam you out of your hard-earned cash. So next time a form asks for your data, consider who’s going to be receiving this information, if it’s a bank or government department (and you’ve confirmed it’s legitimate), of course give them your real information, but if it’s a competition giveaway – consider whether it’s really worth entering.

3. Screen your text messages, calls and emails

Should your contact details be sold, and, let’s face it, most of us have freely given our information at times without thought about who might end up with it, you need to be a little more suspicious of any communication you receive. If you receive an email, what is the sender’s email address? Often those trying to scam you will make pretty close replicas of websites, but they can’t replicate the email address. Is it from @ird.govt.nz or is it a random looking email address? If it does have ‘ird’ in the email address, is it something like @irddept.nz? If you’re still not sure, contact whoever was supposed to be sending you this email – but get their contact details from their actual website NOT from the email.

For text messages, most of the time, legitimate texts will come from a 4-digit number. Often, text message scams have been received from longer mobile phone numbers. If you do receive a text that contains a link, don’t click on the link, but instead, contact whoever is supposed to have sent the text, to see if they sent it. Most of the time, legitimate texts from banks and IRD, won’t include any links to click on. Even if they’re sent from a 4-digit number, if you weren’t expecting a text, ignore the text and contact the company directly.

Scammers are becoming more sophisticated all the time, and many scams look very real. Remember banks and other institutions will never send you an email or text message with a link requesting you to click to log in and theyw ill never ask for your account number, name, address or password in an email or text message. Always err on the side of caution, never take the risk and think it is legitimate because it may cost you dearly!

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Tips for Moving Day

17 April 2025

It's that time again and Moving Day is upon. Moving Day' is a big day in the farming industry. To help you with a smooth transition here are some tips: Early preparation Make sure sharemilker or contract milker contracts are signed. Plan a farm inspection with relevant parties (farm owner, incoming and outgoing sharemilkers, farm manager, advisor). Recruit and finalise employment agreements for new farm staff. Communicate plans and dates with everyone involved. Contact your insurer and utility providers. Farm owner responsibilities Make sure employees leave the houses clean and tidy. Carry out house inspections for maintenance. Comply with healthy home standards. Confirm departure and arrival times with tenants. Consider drug testing, if needed. Animal movements and biosecurity Plan animal movements carefully. Clean and disinfect farm equipment and machinery. Minimise the risk of introducing exotic pests. About 5,000 farmers do this every year. Talking clearly and planning well makes this important farming tradition go smoothly.

Selling Your Business: What’s Next After You Exit?

by Birgit Hoeglinger • 11 April 2025

Selling your business is a huge milestone—one that marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and vision. But once the deal is done and the dust settles, you may find yourself wondering, “What’s next?” Exiting your business opens up a world of possibilities. Here are five potential pathways to consider as you embark on this new chapter of your life. 1. Enjoy Retirement For many, selling a business is the gateway to retirement. After years of being immersed in the day-to-day demands of running a company, retirement offers the opportunity to slow down and enjoy life at your own pace. Whether it’s traveling, spending time with family, or taking up new hobbies, retirement allows you to focus on the things that bring you joy. Planning ahead—both financially and emotionally—will ensure you make the most of this well-earned time. 2. Invest in Other Businesses Selling your business doesn’t mean stepping away from the business world entirely. Many people choose to invest in other businesses, whether it’s through buying equity, becoming a silent partner, or supporting start-ups. Your years of experience give you a unique perspective, and investing allows you to stay connected to the business community while diversifying your income streams. 3. Start a New Venture Once an entrepreneur, always an entrepreneur! If you have a new idea or are passionate about exploring a different industry, selling your business can provide the resources and freedom to start fresh. Whether it’s launching a tech start-up, opening a café, or pursuing an entirely new market, starting a new venture keeps your entrepreneurial spirit alive. 4. Become a Non-Executive Director Another pathway is to leverage your expertise and become a non-executive director. Many businesses value the insight and guidance of experienced business people. As a non-executive director, you can provide strategic advice, mentor leadership teams, and help shape the future of other companies—all without the full-time commitment of running a business. 5. Pursue Philanthropy For some, selling a business is an opportunity to give back. You might choose to support causes you care about through charitable donations, creating a foundation, or volunteering your time. Philanthropy not only helps make a difference in your community or the wider world but can also provide a deep sense of fulfilment and purpose in your post-business life. Charting Your New Path Exiting your business is both an ending and a beginning. It’s a chance to reflect on everything you’ve achieved and to embrace new opportunities that align with your goals and passions. Whether you’re ready to relax and retire, dive into new ventures, or make a positive impact through philanthropy, the choice is yours. Whatever path you choose, careful planning will help ensure your next chapter is as rewarding and successful as the one you’ve just completed. If you’d like support in exploring your options or preparing for life after your business, don’t hesitate to reach out us for guidance.

How to Protect Your Business from 2025's Cyber Threats

by Birgit Hoeglinger • 7 April 2025

Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to trick businesses, and their scams are harder than ever to spot. Small businesses are especially at risk, often seen as easy targets due to limited resources or weaker security. But with the right precautions, you can protect your business and prove the scammers wrong. Be Aware of New Threats Staying informed is your best defence. Here are some of the latest cyber threats: AI-Powered Scams : Scammers now use artificial intelligence to create convincing phishing emails and fake websites that are difficult to distinguish from the real thing. Impersonation Attacks : Posing as banks, government agencies, or suppliers, attackers aim to trick you into sharing sensitive information. Deepfake Technology : Fake audio and video messages that mimic trusted sources are becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. Train Your Team Educating your team is crucial. Teach them to: Spot warning signs, like urgent requests to act quickly. Double-check email addresses and URLs before clicking on links. Be cautious with unusual requests, even if they seem legitimate. Regular training sessions and phishing simulations can help your staff stay alert and recognise scams before they cause harm. Protect Your Business Basic but effective security measures can go a long way. For example: Enable two-factor authentication to secure your accounts. Keep your software and systems up to date. Use resources like the Business Online Security Series for practical cybersecurity tips. It's also wise to consult with your IT provider to evaluate your business’s vulnerabilities and develop a cybersecurity training plan for your team. Taking action now can save your business from potential threats while safeguarding your reputation. Stay informed, train your team, and strengthen your defences!