Green MP Julie Anne Genter is among up to 60 New Zealanders targeted in an international skimming scam.
Ms Genter said her bank statement showed nine separate withdrawals of 200 Canadian dollars and a $6 international fee.
"I didn't realise because I'd been off the grid for three days, tramping in the Marlborough Sounds, and when I got back to town last night I went to pay for our fish and chips my card got declined,'' she told APNZ.
"It turned out I had a message from the Kiwibank fraud office saying they thought there was fraudulent activity.
"I was surprised (the Canadian bank) didn't have a daily limit because they basically just kept withdrawing 200 Canadian dollars until the thing stopped giving them money.
"The Kiwibank fraud office people haven't rung me back yet, but I'm guessing it will be covered by insurance.''
Ms Genter had to borrow money from friends for food while the bank sorted out the situation.
"I'm sure I'm in a better position than a student who's living month to month because I have some savings,'' she said.
"Although I do have a rent payment going out tonight that I'm not able to cover without transferring money from my savings account.''
Four men were due to appear in Auckland District Court today facing charges in relation to the scam, which involved thousands of dollars being withdrawn from up to 60 New Zealand bank accounts via a cash machine in Canada at the weekend.
