The Fire Service has lost about $50,000 in an offshore scam.
It confirmed an investigation was under way following a deception in Turkey, but would not say what the scam was or if the matter had been referred to the police.
Chief executive Paul Baxter said he was disappointed at the loss and the service was taking steps to ensure it never happened again.
The office of the minister responsible for the service, Peter Dunne, said he was unhappy about what had happened and expected to be told the result of the investigation.
News of the ripoff came on the eve of the minister revealing plans for what he called a new and modern Fire Service.
