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πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Fake Job Offer and Work Permit Fee

HighEmployment FraudPublisher: MigrantIQ Safety3 min read5 reported cases
Editorially reviewedLast updated 2026-10-04Reviewed by MigrantIQ Editorial TeamOfficial reporting channel β†—

How this scam works

In Belgium, a prevalent scam involves fraudulent job offers that lure job seekers, particularly skilled workers, care workers, and hospitality workers. Scammers typically send unsolicited job offers via email or social media, promising attractive salaries and benefits. However, these offers are often too good to be true. Once the applicant expresses interest, the scammer requests payment for various fees, including work permits, medical examinations, insurance, accommodation, courier services, or document processing. These fees can accumulate quickly, leading victims to lose significant amounts of money before realizing they have been scammed.

What should I do if I receive a suspicious job offer?

If you receive a job offer that seems suspicious, you should conduct thorough research before proceeding. Verify the legitimacy of the employer and the job offer.

How can I verify if a job offer is legitimate?

You can check the company's registration and contact details through official channels in Belgium. Confirming the employer's credentials is essential to avoid falling victim to scams.

What are the common tactics used by scammers in Belgium?

Scammers often employ tactics such as offering jobs without interviews, presenting unrealistically high salaries, and demanding upfront payments for various fees. These tactics can be alarming indicators of a scam.

Red flags

  • Job offer arrives without interview or skills screening
  • Salary is much higher than market level
  • Employer asks the worker to pay immigration or recruitment fees upfront
  • Company website, address, or registration cannot be verified

How to protect yourself

To protect yourself from these scams, always verify the employer through official company registries in Belgium. Do not send payments for recruitment or permit fees to personal bank accounts. It is also advisable to confirm whether the employer is legally registered and operating in Belgium. Conducting a background check can save you from potential financial loss and emotional distress.

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 β†’

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

Who is targeted

job seekersskilled workerscare workershospitality workers

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

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