If you’ve received a suspicious email claiming to be from Fonterra, it could be a scam.
Fraudsters often impersonate organisations to request payments or sensitive information. This page outlines the common warning signs, how to stay protected, and what to do if you think you’ve been targeted.
How to identify scams
Cyber fraud attempts often involve a scammer contacting your organisation impersonating a representative of Fonterra. Scammers often use email addresses that appear similar to a known email address – so it can be difficult at first glance to see that it’s a scam.
Here are a few common signs of fraudulent communications:
- You receive an unexpected email, letter or phone call from someone claiming to be a Fonterra employee or contractor asking for an urgent payment or a bank account change to be made.
- You are asked to provide confidential information (e.g. bank account details) from a contact you don’t recognise.
- Your organisation is asked to send money through untraceable agencies, or for secrecy to be maintained.
- You receive an inquiry directly from one of Fonterra’s senior leaders, such as the CEO or CFO.
- The query you receive seems unusual and doesn’t quite make sense.
Common types of fraud
Fraud attempts may look like:
- Bank account change scam (payment redirection).
- Invoice or urgent payment request from someone claiming to be Fonterra.
- Phishing email asking for confidential information (e.g. bank account details).
- Executive impersonation scams (e.g. a message claiming to be from the CEO/CFO).
- Careers / job offer scam (e.g. fraudsters may contact individuals pretending to offer jobs at Fonterra, sometimes requesting personal information, identity documents, or payment for visas, training, or onboarding. Fonterra does not ask for payment as part of any recruitment process).
Report suspicious communications
If you believe you or your organisation have received a scam email impersonating Fonterra, do this now:
- Don’t reply to the message.
- Don’t click links or open attachments.
- Forward the email to our cybersecurity team: CyberFraud@fonterra.com
- If you’re unsure, verify using a trusted contact method (e.g. a known phone number or contact details you already have - do not contact the details in the suspicious message).
This advice applies to all vendors and customers who receive suspicious emails, phone calls or text messages.
FAQs
What is cyber fraud / phishing impersonation?
Cyber fraud and phishing scams are increasing globally and may involve criminals mimicking organisations like Fonterra. These scams often aim to redirect payments, change bank details, or obtain confidential business or financial information.
How do I know if an email from Fonterra is real?
Check the sender domain, avoid payment requests, and verify through official contacts.
If you’re unsure whether a message, job offer, or request is legitimate, use the guidance below to confirm it is from Fonterra.
Our official channels
Email verification
- All official Fonterra email addresses end with @fonterra.com or @my.fonterra.com
- For career-related communications, our only official recruitment email is:
fonterra.jobs@fonterra.com
Still unsure? If you would like to verify a communication, please forward an attached copy of the suspicious communication directly toCyberFraud@fonterra.com.
Where can I find more information about protecting myself against scams and phishing emails?
Visit NetSafe's website to find out more about how you can protect yourself from scams and phishing emails: https://netsafe.org.nz/scams/phishing
Does Fonterra ever change bank details by email?
No. Fonterra will never send unsolicited emails requesting payment to a new bank account.