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🇳🇿 Fake Job Offer and Work Permit Fee

HighEmployment FraudPublisher: MigrantIQ Safety3 min read2 reported cases

Editorially reviewedLast updated 2026-10-04Reviewed by MigrantIQ Editorial TeamOfficial reporting channel ↗

How this scam works

What is the Fake Job Offer and Work Permit Fee Scam?

The Fake Job Offer and Work Permit Fee scam is a prevalent issue in New Zealand, primarily targeting job seekers, skilled workers, care workers, and hospitality workers. In this scam, fraudsters send out fake job offers to individuals looking for employment in New Zealand. Once the applicant expresses interest, the scammers request various fees for work permits, medical examinations, insurance, accommodation, courier services, or document processing. These fees are solicited before any legitimate employment is established, often leading to significant financial losses for the victims.

How Can I Recognize This Scam?

Victims often receive job offers that seem too good to be true, lacking any formal interview process or skills assessment. Scammers may exploit the urgency of immigration processes, creating a false sense of security by using official-sounding language and documentation. You should be vigilant when receiving unsolicited job offers from unknown sources.

What Should I Do If I Encounter This Scam?

If you suspect that you have received a fake job offer, you should report it to the appropriate authorities. The New Zealand Immigration website provides resources and guidance on how to proceed. Always verify the legitimacy of the employer and the job offer before taking any action.

Red flags

Job offer arrives without an interview or skills assessment
Salary offered is significantly higher than the market average
Employer demands payment for immigration or recruitment fees upfront
Company website, address, or registration cannot be verified

How to protect yourself

To avoid falling victim to the Fake Job Offer and Work Permit Fee scam, always verify the employer through official company registries and contact details available in New Zealand. Do not pay recruitment or permit fees to personal bank accounts. Confirm whether the employer is legally registered and check for reviews or feedback from other employees. Be cautious of job offers that require upfront fees, and consult with New Zealand Immigration for guidance on legitimate employment processes.

What to do if targeted

- Stop communication and do not send more money or documents
- Save messages, receipts, contracts, profile links, and phone numbers
- Contact your bank or payment provider if money was sent
- Report through official fraud, police, or immigration channels

Official reporting channel →

Prevention tips

- Only pay government fees through official portals
- Do not trust guaranteed visa approvals or secret appointment slots
- Verify employer, school, agent, or landlord identities independently
- Avoid personal-account transfers and pressure tactics

Emergency & Reporting Contacts

If there is immediate danger, contact local emergency services. If money was sent, contact your bank/payment provider and official fraud reporting channels.

Sources & References

MigrantIQ scam alert record
Published 2026-05-07.
New Zealand official reporting channels
Use official reporting channels if you were targeted or lost money.

Who is targeted

job seekersskilled workerscare workershospitality workers

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Not affiliated with any AI platform. Always verify immigration rules on official government sites.

Scam safety FAQ

Legitimate government fees are paid through official channels with receipts. Never wire cash to personal accounts for a “guaranteed” outcome.

Collect evidence (messages, contracts), then report through your destination country’s fraud or immigration reporting channels and warn your community.