- The New Zealand Bankers’ Association today warned people against transferring money for people they do not know to avoid becoming a ‘money mule’. The warning comes after a scam that affected an older Blenheim resident. In this case the overseas fraudsters had persuaded the bank customer they had won a lottery as part of a... Read more »
- New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive Karen Scott-Howman said banks were continuing to provide home loans in quake-affected areas. “Any issues would be around insurance. In line with previous practice, they’ll continue to require insurance for the properties they lend on.
- Banks are offering financial assistance packages for customers impacted by the recent earthquakes. “Banks based in affected communities are acutely aware of the huge impact the earthquakes have had on people’s lives, homes and businesses,” says New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive Karen Scott-Howman. “Anyone affected by the earthquakes who has financial concerns should contact... Read more »
- New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive Karen Scott-Howman said contactless payment was generally convenient and secure. “There’s an $80 limit for payments that do not need a PIN. That threshold is intended to provide security. It also means you’re less at risk of exposing your PIN to scammers.”
- Banks won’t be able to iron out a number of the issues associated with having greater disclosure, before annual statements are sent out next year. Rather, they’d like regulators to give them until 2018 to roll out the changes.
- “We’d encourage people to use internet and mobile banking, if possible, to make payments. For cashless payments customers have the option of debit cards, eftpos cards, credit cards, and possibly also mobile phone payments. Yesterday’s event provides a useful reminder to keep emergency kits up to date. It’s a good idea to keep some cash... Read more »
- “You may also want to think about changing automatic payment dates if you rely on money coming into your account to make those payments. If a payment is due to go out on a particular day, quicker payments processing means it’s worth making sure there is enough money in your account the night before.”
- The major banks have recently updated their systems so that payments are dealt with much more quickly. But there is a chance some people could be caught out by money being taken from their accounts earlier in the day than they are used to.
- “Banks are used to operating in a very competitive environment and have proven themselves adaptable in responding to new entrants in the market and changing customer demands. In a sense there’s nothing new here.”
- Asked if distressed sales could jump once interest rates headed north, Mr Hope said a customer’s ability to repay the loan was the key to any lending decision. He urged anyone facing financial challenges to talk to their bank early.
