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

HighEmployment FraudPublisher: MigrantIQ Safety5 min read9 reported cases
Editorially reviewedLast updated 2026-10-04Reviewed by MigrantIQ Editorial TeamOfficial reporting channel β†—

How this scam works

How does the Fake Job Offer and Work Permit Fee scam usually work in Brazil?

In Brazil, a prevalent scam involves fraudsters sending fake job offers to unsuspecting job seekers, particularly targeting skilled workers, care workers, and those in the hospitality sector. These scammers often present enticing job opportunities that seem legitimate, only to request payment for various fees associated with obtaining work permits.

How does this scam usually start?

Typically, the scam begins with an unsolicited email or message that includes a job offer. The offer may appear professional, complete with official-looking documents and company logos. However, the catch is that the scammers will ask applicants to pay for work permits, medical exams, insurance, accommodation, courier fees, or other document processing costs before any formal employment contract is signed.

What red flags should newcomers watch for?

Job seekers should be cautious of offers that arrive without an interview or skills assessment, as this is a common tactic used by scammers. if the proposed salary is significantly higher than the market average, it could be a warning sign. Employers asking for upfront payment for immigration or recruitment fees should also raise suspicion. Finally, if the company's website, address, or registration details cannot be verified through official channels, it is likely a scam.

What should you do if contacted?

If you receive a suspicious job offer, you should verify the employer through official company registries and contact details in Brazil. Do not send any money to personal accounts and confirm whether the employer is legally registered to operate in Brazil. Reporting such scams to local authorities, such as the Federal Police, can help prevent others from falling victim to similar fraud.

What red flags should newcomers in Brazil watch for?

In Brazil, a prevalent scam involves fraudsters sending fake job offers to unsuspecting job seekers, particularly targeting skilled workers, care workers, and those in the hospitality sector. These scammers often present enticing job opportunities that seem legitimate, only to request payment for various fees associated with obtaining work permits.

How does this scam usually start?

Typically, the scam begins with an unsolicited email or message that includes a job offer. The offer may appear professional, complete with official-looking documents and company logos. However, the catch is that the scammers will ask applicants to pay for work permits, medical exams, insurance, accommodation, courier fees, or other document processing costs before any formal employment contract is signed.

What red flags should newcomers watch for?

Job seekers should be cautious of offers that arrive without an interview or skills assessment, as this is a common tactic used by scammers. if the proposed salary is significantly higher than the market average, it could be a warning sign. Employers asking for upfront payment for immigration or recruitment fees should also raise suspicion. Finally, if the company's website, address, or registration details cannot be verified through official channels, it is likely a scam.

What should you do if contacted?

If you receive a suspicious job offer, you should verify the employer through official company registries and contact details in Brazil. Do not send any money to personal accounts and confirm whether the employer is legally registered to operate in Brazil. Reporting such scams to local authorities, such as the Federal Police, can help prevent others from falling victim to similar fraud.

What should you do if you are targeted by this scam?

In Brazil, a prevalent scam involves fraudsters sending fake job offers to unsuspecting job seekers, particularly targeting skilled workers, care workers, and those in the hospitality sector. These scammers often present enticing job opportunities that seem legitimate, only to request payment for various fees associated with obtaining work permits.

How does this scam usually start?

Typically, the scam begins with an unsolicited email or message that includes a job offer. The offer may appear professional, complete with official-looking documents and company logos. However, the catch is that the scammers will ask applicants to pay for work permits, medical exams, insurance, accommodation, courier fees, or other document processing costs before any formal employment contract is signed.

What red flags should newcomers watch for?

Job seekers should be cautious of offers that arrive without an interview or skills assessment, as this is a common tactic used by scammers. if the proposed salary is significantly higher than the market average, it could be a warning sign. Employers asking for upfront payment for immigration or recruitment fees should also raise suspicion. Finally, if the company's website, address, or registration details cannot be verified through official channels, it is likely a scam.

What should you do if contacted?

If you receive a suspicious job offer, you should verify the employer through official company registries and contact details in Brazil. Do not send any money to personal accounts and confirm whether the employer is legally registered to operate in Brazil. Reporting such scams to local authorities, such as the Federal Police, can help prevent others from falling victim to similar fraud.

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 fake job offers, always verify the legitimacy of the employer through official company registries in Brazil. Contact the company directly using verified contact information rather than relying on details provided in the job offer. Never pay recruitment or permit fees to personal bank accounts, and be cautious of any requests for upfront payments. Research the market salary for the position you are applying for to identify potential red flags.

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

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