Stay safe from job scams

Most employers are genuine, but scammers do target people looking for work. A few habits keep you safe.

Warning signs

• You are asked to pay. A real employer never charges for an application, interview, training, uniform, medical, visa or “registration”. Never send money to get a job.
• The offer is too good. Very high pay for little work, or a job offered without any interview.
• Pressure to hurry. “Reply in one hour” or “only three places left”.
• Vague details. No company name, no address, or only a personal email or messaging number.
• Requests for sensitive information early, such as your ID number, bank details or a photo of your ID, before you have even been interviewed.
• Jobs overseas through an agent you cannot check. Confirm the agency is licensed before you share documents or pay anything.

What to do

• Search for the company online and look for its own website and contact details.
• Apply on the employer’s official site where you can, and be careful with job offers that arrive unasked.
• Share personal documents only when you are sure the job is real.
• Talk to a friend or family member before you pay or travel anywhere.

Seen something suspicious?

Press Report it at the bottom of any job page, or contact us. We look at reports quickly and remove jobs that break our rules. If you have lost money, also tell the police.