Scammers are draining billions of dollars from Kiwis' back pockets - and Netsafe is calling for change.

New Zealand's latest State of Scams report shows more than $2.3 billion was lost this year, up from $2.1 billion last year.

Andrew Bayly has been appointed anti-scams minister.

Netsafe CEO Brent Carey says he welcomes this appointment, as it'll be easier to co-ordinate with one person.

"It enables us to co-ordinate directly with one person instead of across multiple ministers - and the UK has a fraud minister. This is great news." 

LISTEN ABOVE