Medium riskJob Scams

Seasonal Retail Job Scam

In this scam, a fake seasonal or holiday temp job offers quick hiring, then charges for training, a uniform, or a background check, or sends an overpayment cheque for 'equipment' that you must partly send back.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Advance-fee / fake cheque (job)
Main red flag
A seasonal job charging upfront fees or sending an overpayment cheque for equipment.
What to do first
Verify the employer; never pay fees or move cheque funds to start.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, a fake seasonal or holiday temp job offers quick hiring, then charges for training, a uniform, or a background check, or sends an overpayment cheque for 'equipment' that you must partly send back.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Hired for the holidays! Pay for your uniform and training, or deposit this equipment cheque and send the balance back.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • Upfront fees for uniform, training, or checks
  • An overpayment cheque with money to send back
  • Hiring with no real interview
  • Contact through chat apps
  • Pressure to start quickly for the season

What to do

  • Verify the employer through official channels
  • Never pay upfront fees to start a job
  • Do not move funds from a cheque until it fully clears
  • Report suspicious offers

If you already clicked or replied

  • If you paid a fee, dispute it with your payment provider
  • If you sent cheque funds, contact your bank immediately
  • Keep all messages and receipts as evidence
  • Report the employer

What not to do

  • Do not pay for uniform or training to start
  • Do not move money from an uncleared cheque
  • Do not trust hiring with no interview

Similar scams

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

Background Check Fee Scam

This scam offers a job conditional on paying for a 'mandatory background check', 'screening', or 'credentialing' through a specific link or service, taking your fee and personal details for a role that does not exist.
High risk Job

Remote Customer Service Job Scam

In this scam, you are hired for a remote customer service role and sent a check to buy a laptop and equipment from the employer's 'approved vendor', who is the scammer; the check bounces after you pay.

Frequently asked questions

Do seasonal employers charge me to start?
Reputable employers do not require upfront fees for uniforms, training, or checks. Such fees, or an equipment cheque, are scam signs.
They sent a cheque for equipment. Safe?
An overpayment cheque with a request to send the balance is a fake-cheque scam. Do not move the funds.
I paid a fee. Can I recover it?
Dispute the charge with your payment provider, keep your evidence, and report the employer.
How do I find genuine seasonal work?
Apply directly to reputable retailers and agencies, expect a real interview, and never pay fees or move cheque funds to start.

Last reviewed: June 2026

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.