Advertisement728 × 90AdSense zone

🇨🇻 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 ↗

How this scam works

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

In Cape Verde, job seekers often fall victim to scams involving fake job offers and requests for work permit fees. Scammers typically send emails or messages that claim to offer lucrative employment opportunities in various sectors, including hospitality and care work. After expressing interest, victims are asked to pay for various costs associated with securing a work permit, such as medical examinations, insurance, accommodation, and courier fees. This scam is particularly concerning because it exploits the hopes of skilled workers and job seekers who are eager to find legitimate employment opportunities in Cape Verde.

How can I identify these scams?

Recognizing a fake job offer can be challenging, especially when scams are increasingly sophisticated. They often come from seemingly legitimate companies with professional-looking documents and websites. However, the lack of a formal interview process or any verification steps should raise immediate suspicions.

What should I do if I suspect a scam?

If you believe you have encountered a scam, you should report it to local authorities. The official government website for Cape Verde provides resources and guidance on how to proceed. you can seek assistance from the police or consumer protection agencies to help you navigate this issue.

Red flags

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

How to protect yourself

To avoid falling victim to this scam, always verify the legitimacy of the employer by checking official company registries in Cape Verde. Do not pay any recruitment or immigration fees to personal bank accounts. Legitimate companies will never ask for upfront payments for permits or fees. Always confirm the employer's legal status and ensure that job offers are accompanied by a formal interview process. If something feels off, trust your instincts and proceed with caution.

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.
Cape Verde 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.