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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How to prepare for the end of financial year

20 February 2025

The end of the financial year is fast approaching, so if you’re balance date/end of financial year is 31 March, there are a few things you need to do to help us prepare your financials. Take a stocktake If your business sells products or has stock, you’ll need to do a stocktake on 31 March. If you’re a business that sells products, then you need to take a stocktake of your physical inventory. If you’re a farmer, then you need to take a physical livestock tally. Send in your EOY papers Compile a folder (digital or hard copy) with a copy of the following documents: Bank statement that shows the balance on 31 March 2025 for all your bank accounts and loans. Insurance invoices. ACC invoices. Loan statements for the year (if applicable). Any new loans or refinancing documents. Invoices for assets purchased and sold. GST workings and reports. Submit the online questionnaire You’ll also need to fill out and submit the online questionnaire. You should receive an email from us in April/May, with a link to fill out and submit the questionnaire. If you haven’t received an email with the link by the end of May, let us know.

Supporting the Heart of Dargaville and Whangārei Communities

17 February 2025

At Gunson McLean we are more than just a business offering financial expertise we also support our communities in Dargaville and Whangārei. By partnering with various local organisations, we help sustain and strengthen sports, recreation, and community initiatives in the region. Empowering Local Sports Clubs We understand the role sports play in bringing people together, promoting teamwork, and supporting youth development. We are proud to sponsor the Old Boys Marist Rugby & Sports Club, Hikurangi Rugby Football Club Inc, Maungakaramea Hockey Club, Maungakaramea Bowling Club, Mid Western Rugby Squash Club, Kamo Rugby & Squash Club, New Zealand Vikings Rugby Football Club Inc., and the Cobham Cricket Club. Promoting Outdoor Education We also believe that outdoor education is essential for youth development and are proud to work with the charitable trust, Pātaua Outdoor Education & Recreation Trust (POERT). We have been closely involved in the Trust’s activities for the past 8 years – handlings its financial matters – and Craig Gunson is the current Treasurer. Backing Community Halls & Facilities We’re proud to support the Whareora Hall Society and Whareora Cemetery Board as well as local cycling and motorcycling groups Marsden Wheelers Cycling Club Inc., and the Whangārei Motorcycle Club. We are passionate about the causes we support, and the opportunities and growth this enables in our Dargaville and Whangārei communities.

Optimise your business by taking care of your employees

7 February 2025

Most people agree that optimising your business is a good idea and spend hours looking at optimising the supply chain, storage, overheads etc. However, they forget that people are one of the most critical elements in your business. By providing a caring, supportive workplace for employees you also drive the success of your business. Studies show happy workers are productive workers and, as an employer, it’s a no-brainer to provide a workplace where employees feel valued, and where they can flourish. Here are five key ways to build employee relationships, nurture your team, and create a great workplace for your employees: 1. Invest in your employees This doesn’t mean ‘casual Friday’s’ or a pizza night once a month. This is about offering your employees access to training programmes, workshops, conferences, and mentorship programmes. It’s about the professional growth of your employee and how you can enhance their skills and make them feel truly valued as team members. 2. Create a positive work environment Creating a positive work environment is about cultivating a workplace culture that feels positive and supportive of your employees. Be open and transparent with your employees, listen to their feedback and have a strong focus on employee wellbeing. This could include offering flexible working arrangements, benefits such as health insurance, and other perks. 3. Recognise and reward your employees When an employee goes above and beyond, make sure your recognise and reward them. This could by through a performance bonus, employee-of-the-month programmes or even extra time off in lieu. Feeling valued comes partially from feeling rewarded and can be an amazing motivator. 4. Give employees autonomy One of the key ways employees feel trust, is by being given autonomy. Being trusted to come up with their own solutions, processes, and ideas is key to making people feel as if they ‘own’ their role. This helps employees feel fully involved and also brings new ideas, solutions, processes, and efficiencies to the table. 5. Put wellbeing at the heart of your culture Life is stressful. And work-life can be stressful. A well though out wellbeing programme can help your employees manage stress and, in turn, benefits your business. A wellbeing programme is different for each business but some ideas could be checking in with team members, creating a ‘ask for help’ culture, flexible working arrangements including work-from-home days, and offering mental health support. Making sure you’re a caring and supportive employer is vital to your business strategy. With a team who feel valued, nurtured, and encouraged, you’ll all be happier and more productive.