In a world where online scams are becoming more sophisticated, it’s vital to know how to protect yourself, your church, and your whānau from cyber threats.

This guide combines advice from Netsafe, Diocesan resources, and other trusted sources to help keep you safe.

1. Netsafe’s “Get Set Up for Safety” Resources

Together with Chorus, Netsafe has developed a collection of guides designed especially for older adults — though useful for everyone.

Resources include:

• How to spot a scam

• Staying connected on social media

• Securing your devices

• User-friendly device settings

• Safer shopping, banking, and investing online

• Online safety glossary of common terms

You can read, download, or print these booklets and watch instructional videos at:
🔗 www.netsafe.org.nz/olderpeople

2. Cyber Security Guidelines for Churches

We have a Cyber Security Guidelines document for churches and individuals, with practical steps for keeping your systems safe. Vestries are encouraged to use this as part of their annual risk review.
📧 Contact the Diocesan Office for a hard copy or for help applying the advice in your context.

3. Common Cyber Threats & How to Avoid Them

Email scams

• Check the sender’s email address carefully — scammers often use addresses that look similar to genuine ones.

• If you’re unsure, phone the sender (using a known number) before responding.

• Avoid clicking links from unknown senders.

• Report scams to Netsafe: www.netsafe.org.nz/report

WhatsApp & social media scams

Scammers may impersonate people you know — even church leaders — asking for money or vouchers.

• Check the phone number.

• Report and block the contact.

  1. More options → Report/Report Spam

  2. Tick Block contact and delete messages

  3. Click Report

Phishing

Phishing emails pretend to be from a trusted organisation (bank, government, etc.) to trick you into giving personal or financial details. They may:

• Use official-looking logos and language

• Ask for bank details, login credentials, or ID documents

• Target specific groups or organisations

If you suspect phishing:

• Delete the email if you haven’t clicked anything.

• If you’ve shared personal/financial info:

  • Contact your bank or service provider immediately.

  • Change your passwords.

  • Get a free credit check from Centrix, Illion, or Equifax.

4. Strong Passwords & Account Security

• Use long, unique passwords for each account.

• Consider a password manager to store them securely.

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.

5. Stay Alert – Ongoing Vigilance

Cyber threats evolve constantly. The best defence is to:

• Think before you click.

• Verify before you share.

• Keep your devices updated.

• Share safety tips with your congregation and whānau.

💡 Extra Tip for Vestries & Committees: Consider running a short cyber safety training session at a meeting — even 5 minutes on spotting scams can prevent costly mistakes.