How these scams work

Scammers advertise attractive jobs at home or abroad, then ask for a fee for a medical test, visa, training, "registration" or "security deposit". After payment they stop replying, or keep asking for more.

Red flags

  • You must pay a fee before you have a written, verifiable job offer.
  • A guaranteed visa or job, or a salary far above normal for the role.
  • The contact is only on WhatsApp or social media; no office you can visit.
  • Payment is requested to a personal account or wallet.
  • No proper contract, or a contract with details that do not match the advertisement.

Before you pay anything

  1. For foreign employment, confirm with the relevant government authorities that the agency and the demand are genuine, using contact details you found yourself.
  2. Visit the office in person and ask for receipts for every payment.
  3. Search the agent's phone and account here.
  4. Keep all messages, receipts and the advertisement. If you were cheated, see what to do and how to report.