Advertisement728 × 90AdSense zone

🇦🇺 Fake Job Offer and Work Permit Fee

HighEmployment FraudPublisher: MigrantIQ Safety3 min read2 reported cases

Editorially reviewedLast updated 2026-10-04Reviewed by MigrantIQ Editorial TeamOfficial reporting channel ↗

How this scam works

What is the Fake Job Offer and Work Permit Fee Scam?

Fraudsters often target job seekers in Australia by sending fake job offers that appear legitimate. These offers are commonly aimed at skilled workers, care workers, and those in the hospitality sector. After receiving a job offer, the applicant is requested to pay various fees related to work permits, medical examinations, insurance, accommodation, and courier services. These fees are typically requested before any formal employment contract has been signed or before the applicant has even met the employer. This scam exploits the hopes of those seeking employment in Australia, often leading to significant financial loss.

How Can I Identify This Scam?

Many job seekers wonder how to differentiate between a genuine job offer and a scam. One key indicator is the lack of a formal interview or skills assessment. Genuine employers will typically conduct interviews to assess candidates. the salary offered may be unusually high compared to the average market rate, raising further suspicion.

What Should I Do if I Suspect a Scam?

You should report any suspicious job offers to the relevant authorities. The Australian government provides resources for reporting such scams, including the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Department of Home Affairs. Always conduct thorough research before accepting any job offer or making payments.

Red flags

Job offer arrives without an interview or skills assessment
Salary offered is significantly higher than the market average
Employer requests upfront payment for immigration or recruitment fees
Company website, address, or registration details cannot be verified

How to protect yourself

To protect yourself from falling victim to this scam, always verify the legitimacy of the employer. Check official company registries and contact details to ensure the organization is registered in Australia. Never pay recruitment or work permit fees to personal bank accounts. If a job offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Confirm the legality of the employer and their practices through official channels, such as the Department of Home Affairs.

What to do if targeted

- Stop communication and do not send more money or documents
- Save messages, receipts, contracts, profile links, and phone numbers
- Contact your bank or payment provider if money was sent
- Report through official fraud, police, or immigration channels

Official reporting channel →

Prevention tips

- Only pay government fees through official portals
- Do not trust guaranteed visa approvals or secret appointment slots
- Verify employer, school, agent, or landlord identities independently
- Avoid personal-account transfers and pressure tactics

Emergency & Reporting Contacts

If there is immediate danger, contact local emergency services. If money was sent, contact your bank/payment provider and official fraud reporting channels.

Sources & References

MigrantIQ scam alert record
Published 2026-05-07.
Australia official reporting channels
Use official reporting channels if you were targeted or lost money.

Who is targeted

job seekersskilled workerscare workershospitality workers

Feedback

Was this guide helpful?

Your answer helps us improve guides and update priority.

Summarize this page with AI

Opens your assistant with a pre-filled prompt (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude). Gemini uses Google AI Mode.

Not affiliated with any AI platform. Always verify immigration rules on official government sites.

Scam safety FAQ

Legitimate government fees are paid through official channels with receipts. Never wire cash to personal accounts for a “guaranteed” outcome.

Collect evidence (messages, contracts), then report through your destination country’s fraud or immigration reporting channels and warn your community.