NZ businesses are increasingly being targeted by scammers pretending to be the Inland Revenue Department New Zealand (IRD)—and many don’t realise it until it’s too late.
With more communication happening online, fraudsters are using sophisticated tactics to trick business owners into sharing sensitive information or making fraudulent payments.
Understanding how these scams work is critical to protecting your business, your finances, and your reputation.
What are Inland Revenue scams?
Inland Revenue scams involve fraudsters posing as IRD representatives to deceive businesses into:
Providing confidential financial information
Clicking malicious links
Making fake tax payments
These scams often look convincing, making it easy for even experienced business owners to fall victim.
Common Inland Revenue scam tactics
Scammers use a variety of methods to appear legitimate, including emails, text messages, and phone calls.
You may encounter messages that:
Claim you have a tax refund waiting
Demand urgent payment for a supposed tax debt
Ask for bank details, IRD numbers, or login credentials
Include links to fake websites that closely resemble official IRD platforms
These tactics are designed to create panic and urgency, pushing you to act quickly without verifying the source.
Warning signs to watch out for
To protect your business, watch for these common red flags:
Requests for sensitive information (passwords, bank details)
Unexpected refunds or payment demands
Suspicious email addresses or poor spelling
Links that don’t lead to official IRD websites
Pressure to act immediately or face penalties
👉 Important: The Inland Revenue Department New Zealand will never ask for confidential information through unsecured channels like random emails or text messages and will never send you a letter as an attachment, they will always prompt you to log into myIR to view your communication there.
How to protect your business
Reducing your risk starts with simple but effective practices:
Always verify communications directly through official IRD channels, log into your myIR account to read any letters
Avoid clicking unknown links or downloading attachments
Use secure, updated systems for financial records
Educate your team on common scam tactics
Regularly monitor accounts for unusual activity
Staying proactive is key—most scams succeed because of rushed decisions.
What to do if you receive a suspicious message
If you suspect a scam:
Do not respond or click any links
Report the message to IRD immediately
Delete the message after reporting
Alert your team to prevent further risk
Taking quick action can help minimise financial damage and protect your business data.
Why this matters for NZ businesses
Scams are no longer just an IT issue, they are a business risk.
While many businesses focus on compliance, security threats like tax scams can disrupt operations, cause financial loss, and damage trust.
Staying informed ensures your business remains both secure and compliant.
FAQs
1. How do I know if a message from IRD is a scam?
Scam messages often create urgency, request sensitive information, or include suspicious links. The Inland Revenue Department New Zealand will never ask for passwords or banking details through unsecured messages.
2. Does IRD contact businesses by email or text?
IRD normally will send you an email, letting you know that there is communication in your myIR account to view.
3. What should I do if I clicked a suspicious link?
Immediately change your passwords, secure your accounts, and contact your bank if necessary. Report the incident to IRD as soon as possible.
4. Are small businesses at risk?
Yes. Small and medium businesses are often targeted due to limited security systems.
5. How can I prevent scams in my business?
Implement secure systems, train your team, verify all communications, and regularly review your financial activity.
At CB Solutions, we don’t just help businesses stay compliant, we help ensure your financial systems are accurate, secure, and aligned with IRD requirements.
Whether it’s Bookkeeping, Payroll, or Accounting support, our team helps you reduce risk and stay in control.
Don’t wait until your business is exposed!
Book a consultation today and protect your business with confidence.
