Trade Me joins Tech NZ’s online scams code

Online trading platform joins founding signatories Google, Meta and TikTok.

Trade Me has become the first New Zealand-based digital platform to sign up to the New Zealand Online Scams Code in a bid to provide a safe and trusted trading environment.

Developed by Tech New Zealand in partnership with its members, the code was launched in March with founding signatories Google, Meta and TikTok with the aim to help protect Kiwis from online scams.

Although a voluntary industry code, signatories commit to 38 concrete actions designed to help prevent, detect and respond to scams online.

This spans key areas including blocking, reporting, takedowns, advertising, email and messaging, law enforcement, intelligence sharing, consumer communications, and future-proofing.

Trade Me’s decision to adopt the code is an important step in strengthening protection for consumers across the country, said Tech New Zealand CEO Graeme Muller.

“Scammers are sophisticated, well-resourced and operating at scale. New Zealanders deserve an industry that meets that challenge head on,” he said.

“The New Zealand Online Scams Code is a practical, public commitment from the digital industry to protect the people who use our platforms every day. Trade Me’s participation adds further weight to this collective effort and reinforces the importance of industry leadership in keeping New Zealanders safer online.”

In a statement, Trade Me head of marketplace and jobs Nicole Williams said providing a safe, trusted trading environment is an absolute priority for the platform.

“While we continuously evolve our technology to counter increasingly sophisticated scams, the reality is that no single platform can win this fight alone. True consumer protection requires a united front,” she said.

“By standing alongside other digital leaders in Aotearoa to share intelligence and close systemic gaps, we can build a collective defence that significantly strengthens consumer safety.”

According to NZ Tech, the New Zealand Online Scams Code is based on the Australian Online Scams Code, bringing New Zealand into alignment with commitments already made in Australia.