Job Scams

Job scams use the promise of flexible, well-paid, or remote work to draw people in. A 'recruiter' may message you out of the blue, offer a role with no real interview, and ask for personal documents, an upfront fee for equipment or training, or your bank details. Some schemes turn victims into unwitting money mules by asking them to receive and forward payments.

Common red flags

  • A job offer with no real interview or with an interview only by text or chat app
  • Pay that seems far too high for very simple tasks
  • Requests for upfront payment for training, equipment, or a background check
  • A recruiter who contacts you first on WhatsApp, Telegram, or text
  • Requests for your bank details or to receive and forward money

Job scam guides

High risk Job

Fake Job Offer Scam

This scam offers a job with little or no interview, then asks for upfront fees, personal documents, or bank details to 'set you up.'
High risk Job

WhatsApp Job Scam

This scam contacts you on WhatsApp with an easy paid-task job, shows small early 'earnings,' then asks you to deposit money to unlock bigger payouts.
Medium risk Job

Fake Remote Data Entry Job Scam

This scam advertises easy remote data entry work, then asks for upfront fees, personal documents, or bank details, or routes you into money handling.
High risk Job

Mystery Shopper Scam

This scam offers a fake secret or mystery shopper job, sends you a cheque to deposit, and asks you to 'evaluate' a money-transfer service by wiring most of it back or buying gift cards, after which the cheque bounces and you are left owing the money.
High risk Job

Reshipping Job Scam

This scam advertises a work-from-home 'package processing' or 'quality control' role where you receive parcels and reship them abroad, but the goods were bought with stolen cards, making you an unwitting money mule with real legal risk.
High risk Job

Car Wrap Scam

This scam offers to pay you for wrapping your car in advertising, then sends a check for more than agreed and asks you to forward part of it to a 'wrap installer'. The check later bounces, leaving you responsible for the money you sent on.
Medium risk Job

Envelope Stuffing Scam

This long-running scam promises easy money for stuffing envelopes at home, charges an upfront fee for a 'starter kit', then reveals the only way to earn is by recruiting others into the same scheme.
Medium risk Job

Virtual Assistant Job Scam

In this scam, a remote 'personal or virtual assistant' role offers good pay for simple tasks, then sends a fake cheque to buy supplies or gift cards and forward money, or asks for upfront fees or bank details, leaving you out of pocket.
Medium risk Job

Modeling Agency Scam

In this scam a 'scout' or agency contacts an aspiring model promising big opportunities, then asks for upfront payment for a portfolio, classes, registration, or a 'starter package'. The promised work rarely appears.

Frequently asked questions

Should a real employer ever ask me to pay them?
Legitimate employers do not ask you to pay for a job, training, or equipment as a condition of being hired. A request for upfront payment is a strong warning sign.
Why would a job ask me to receive and send money?
This is a common money-mule tactic. Moving money for an 'employer' can involve handling the proceeds of fraud, which can have serious legal consequences even if you did not realise.
How can I check if a job offer is real?
Search for the company independently, contact it through its official website, and be cautious of roles that only communicate through chat apps and pressure you to act fast.

Related scam categories

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Bank & Payment Scams

Bank and payment scams impersonate your bank or a payment service to trigger panic, then push you to share codes, move money, or log in on a fake page.

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Email Scams

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Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.