New Zealand is being urged to take a leaf out of Australia's book for addressing a rise in scams

Consumer New Zealand says financial crime has become an epidemic, and warns banks need to implement stronger protections.

The Banking Ombudsman is supporting the call for a review of determining banks' liability and reimbursing victims' losses.

Consumer chief executive Jon Duffy says the solution should include a centre for scam victims - like our trans-Tasman neighbours.

He says this one-stop shop will be able to provide intelligence to the industry - like banks - on issues like bank accounts used to collect scam money.