Scam alert for job seekers

New Zealand Customs is warning job seekers to be aware of a Nigerian scam targeting Kiwis applying for jobs online.

This follows the interception of counterfeit bank cheques destined for a New Zealand "agent" unwittingly recruited through their response to an online job advert.

Customs investigations manager Shane Panettiere said Customs intercepted 364 counterfeit bank cheques with a face value of $2.5 million.

The cheques were of high quality and could have been accepted as genuine by the recipient.

"It appears the intended recipients were instructed to cash the cheques at a bank, retain a small proportion of the money, and send the balance offshore. Fortunately, the scam was discovered at an early stage and no financial victims have been identified."

Customs' inquiries revealed an employment scam where applicants for jobs posted on well known websites would receive the counterfeit cheques via the "agent" as payment for administrative assignments.