Reports of cyber scams, fraud and 'credential harvesting' are on the rise in New Zealand.

The third-quarter report from government cybersecurity watchdog CERT NZ shows a 20 per cent increase in scam and fraud reports and a 27per cent increase in 'credential harvesting' - or trying to get someone's login details.

People and businesses reported at least 1354 incidents to CERT NZ from July 1 to September 30 this year, the highest number in any quarter since its formation in 2017.

The agency's director Rob Pope says there was a $3.8 million direct financial loss - but that was down 42 per cent.

Emails containing webcam blackmail threats were steadily increasing and rose 28 per cent in the quarter.

Rob says the holiday season would bring an increase in attempts to exploit New Zealanders' trust in email and online shopping, so people should be extra vigilant and avoid clicking suspicious links.

-RNZ.