The common scams
| Scam | How it works |
|---|---|
| Fake job ad | Looks like a real job on a legitimate site, then asks for personal information or a fee |
| Recruitment / 'police check' form | A fake form collects your address, passport and employment history for identity theft |
| Task or 'work from home' scam | Simple online tasks (likes, reviews), small early payments, then asked to 'deposit' money to unlock bigger earnings |
| Money mule job | You receive money in your account and forward it on: that's money laundering and you can be liable |
| Equipment / training fee | Pay for a starter kit, software or training before you start |
| Fake cheque | You're sent a cheque or payment, told to keep a portion and send the rest back; the cheque bounces |
| Loan scam | 'Guaranteed' loans for people on benefits or with bad credit that require an up-front fee |
| KiwiSaver / benefit 'fixers' | Charge you to access your own entitlements, which are free |
Red flags
- Anyone asks you for money (training, uniforms, background check, 'refundable deposit').
- The offer arrives out of the blue by text, WhatsApp, Telegram or social media message.
- The pay seems far too high for the work, or is quoted per month rather than the annual salary common in NZ.
- Interview by text or messaging app only; no company website, address or verifiable staff.
- They want copies of your passport, bank details or IRD number before a formal offer or contract.
- The email address is a free service (Gmail, Outlook) rather than the company's domain, or the domain is slightly different from the real one.
- Pressure to act quickly.
What a real employer asks for (and when)
- Early: CV, work history, references, right-to-work check.
- After a written offer: IRD number, tax code form, bank account for wages, and sometimes a police vet or verification via a recognised provider.
- Never: payment from you to start work.
If you've been scammed
- Stop all contact with the scammer and don't send more money.
- Call your bank straight away (the number on your card). Ask them to stop or recall payments and secure your accounts.
- Change passwords on any account you used, including email and myIR, and turn on two-step verification.
- If you shared ID (passport, driver licence), contact IDCARE (free identity theft support, 0800 121 068, weekdays 10am to 7pm) and the issuing agency, and consider a credit report check and a credit ban with the credit reporters.
- Report it: Netsafe (netsafe.org.nz/report, or 0508 638 723) for scams; the National Cyber Security Centre (ncsc.govt.nz) for phishing and cyber incidents; NZ Police on 105 (or 105.police.govt.nz online) for fraud, or 111 if you're in danger; Consumer Protection (consumerprotection.govt.nz) for trading scams.
- Keep screenshots, emails, bank receipts and phone numbers.
- Tell someone. Scams are well designed, and anyone can be caught. Talk to 1737 (free mental health support, call or text) if you're feeling shame or stress.
Sources
- Netsafe: Employment scams (opens in a new tab)
- NCSC (formerly CERT NZ): Report an issue (opens in a new tab)
- NZ Police: Use 105 (opens in a new tab)
- Work and Income (opens in a new tab)
General information only. Confirm with the agency for your situation. Spotted something out of date? Email help@unemployed.nz.