Identity Theft Stories

Kiwi Stories

Identity Theft stories

New Zealand online scams surge as trust is exploited

Online shoppers in New Zealand face a sharper risk of fraud as fake stores and remote access attacks exploit trusted digital services.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • 3 days ago

Data Protection

New Zealanders hit by scams during big life events

Middle-aged New Zealanders are increasingly exposed as scammers target house moves, job searches and big purchases, research shows.

By Mark Tarre • 5 min read • This month

Global Stories

Identity Theft stories

Data Protection

Deepfake fraud attacks rise 180% as identity checks fail

Nearly one in 100 failed identity checks now involves deepfake material, as AI-generated fraud threatens banking, payments and online services.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • 2 days ago

Multi-factor authentication

WhatsApp GhostPairing attack gives intruders access

Attackers can stay inside WhatsApp accounts after a single fake device approval, exposing messages, calls and contacts without alerts.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Last week

Software-as-a-Service

Fourthline & Veridas merge in identity verification push

Demand for digital identity checks is rising as fraud and compliance risks mount, with the merged group spanning more than 50 countries.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • 3 days ago

Data Protection

AI now runs parts of cyber attacks, Check Point says

Defenders face shorter patching windows as Check Point says AI can now turn new flaws into working exploits within hours.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Last week

Malware

AI now drives live cyber attacks, Check Point says

Security teams face faster, harder-to-trace intrusions as AI is now being used to write attack code and run deception during breaches.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Last week

Open source

The Yahoo Boys: From prince inheritance emails to dating site scams

F-Secure's Laura Kankaala explains how the Yahoo Boys scam culture has evolved from advance-fee emails into sextortion and romance fraud.

By Jake MacAndrew • 4 min read • 6 days ago

Software-as-a-Service

Helix data extortion group linked to BlackFile, ShinyHunters

Businesses face a fresh wave of identity theft-driven extortion as Helix is linked to BlackFile and ShinyHunters through shared infrastructure.

By Sean Mitchell • 5 min read • This month

Data Protection

EOFY pressures drive cyber risk for Australian firms

Rising deadline pressure is leaving finance and payroll teams more exposed to sophisticated scams that can disrupt payments and damage trust.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 6 min read • This month

Stories from Other Regions

Identity Theft stories

Fintech

UK Fraud liability in 2026: The hidden cost of synthetic identity fraud

Banks now face a capped GBP £85,000 reimbursement bill per claim as synthetic identity fraud turns into a direct liability under tighter UK rules.

By Barley Laing • 5 min read • Last week

Data Protection

AI literacy & cyber safety vital for young workers

Employers are being urged to make AI literacy and cyber safety core training, as young workers face a tighter labour market and rising online threats.

By Mark Tarre • 5 min read • Last week

Malware

Cifas joins global fraud-sharing network in crackdown

UK consumers and businesses could benefit as Cifas adds nearly 500 scam signals to a global network aimed at faster takedowns.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Last week

Ransomware

AI reshapes data & cyber risk for Australian firms

Boards are being pushed to rethink data platforms and cyber controls as AI adoption exposes Australian firms to faster attacks and stricter governance demands.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Last week