Police have successfully foiled a first "smishing" scam in New Zealand, in cooperation with banks and Australian police

The form of phishing, involves using a "false cell tower" to send fraudulent texts, posing as banks to trick people into sharing information.

In August, a 19-year-old was arrested and his tech seized in Auckland.

Detective Superintendent Greg Williams, says thousands of scam texts were sent - with almost 120 people known to be affected.

No financial losses have been reported.