--- title: Fake Job Offer and Work Permit Fee — Colombia Scam Alert description: Active scam alert: Fake Job Offer and Work Permit Fee is targeting immigrants in Colombia. How it works, red flags, and how to protect yourself. image: https://migrantiq.com/og/default.png --- Skip to content Advertisement728 × 90AdSense zone 🇨🇴 FAKE JOB OFFER AND WORK PERMIT FEE HighEmployment FraudPublisher: MigrantIQ Safety3 min read7 reported cases Editorially reviewedLast updated 2026-10-04Reviewed by MigrantIQ Editorial TeamOfficial reporting channel ↗ [https://www.migracioncolombia.gov.co/] Safety guidance, not emergency support If you are in immediate danger or have already lost money, contact local emergency services, your bank, and the official fraud reporting channel in the destination country. MigrantIQ provides general safety guidance. Terms [/terms/]Privacy [/privacy/]Report an issue [/contact/] HOW THIS SCAM WORKS In Colombia, the prevalence of employment fraud, particularly through fake job offers, has become a significant concern among job seekers. Fraudsters often reach out to potential candidates with enticing job offers, claiming they are from reputable companies. After showing interest, applicants are asked to pay various fees, purportedly for work permits, medical examinations, insurance, accommodation, or courier services. These requests usually occur before any legitimate employment relationship is established, exploiting the hopes and aspirations of skilled workers, care workers, and those in the hospitality sector. It is important for newcomers and locals alike to remain vigilant. WHAT ARE THE COMMON SIGNS OF FAKE JOB OFFERS? Fake job offers typically come with several warning signs that can help you identify potential scams. Often, they are unsolicited and lack thorough screening procedures, such as interviews or skill assessments. This lack of due diligence may indicate that the job offer is not genuine. HOW CAN YOU VERIFY A LEGITIMATE JOB OFFER? To protect yourself, always verify the employer through official company registries in Colombia. Contact the company directly using verified contact information rather than relying on details provided in the job offer. Ensure that the employer is legally registered and recognized in the industry. WHO SHOULD YOU REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES TO? If you encounter a suspicious job offer, it's important to report it. Agencies such as Migración Colombia are equipped to handle these cases. They can provide guidance and potentially offer assistance in dealing with fraudulent practices. Always make sure you know of your rights as an employee or job seeker in Colombia. RED FLAGS * Job offer arrives without interview or skills screening * Salary is significantly higher than the average for similar positions in Colombia * Employer requests upfront payment for immigration or recruitment fees * Company website, physical address, or business registration cannot be verified * Communication is unprofessional or comes from free email accounts rather than company domains HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF To avoid falling victim to fake job offers in Colombia, always research the company thoroughly. Verify its legitimacy through official online registries and reputable business directories. Never send money for job placements or permits to personal bank accounts. If a job offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts and seek confirmation from official sources before proceeding. 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 → [https://www.migracioncolombia.gov.co/] 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. * Colombia official reporting channels [https://www.migracioncolombia.gov.co/] 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. YesNo Summarize this page with AI Opens your assistant with a pre-filled prompt (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude). Gemini uses Google AI Mode. Ask AI ↗ Not affiliated with any AI platform. Always verify immigration rules on official government sites. SCAM SAFETY FAQ SHOULD I PAY ANY FEE BEFORE MY VISA IS APPROVED? Legitimate government fees are paid through official channels with receipts. Never wire cash to personal accounts for a “guaranteed” outcome. HOW DO I REPORT A SUSPICIOUS OFFER? Collect evidence (messages, contracts), then report through your destination country’s fraud or immigration reporting channels and warn your community. Advertisement300 × 250AdSense zone MORE ALERTS * Document Translation, Notary, or Apostille Overcharge [/scam-alerts/colombia/document-translation-notary-overcharge/] * Fake Border, Airport, or Fast-Track Assistance Fee [/scam-alerts/colombia/fake-border-airport-assistance-fee/] * Fake University or Scholarship Letter [/scam-alerts/colombia/fake-university-or-scholarship-letter/] * Rental Deposit Before Viewing or Contract [/scam-alerts/colombia/rental-deposit-before-viewing/] CONTINUE * All Colombia alerts [/scam-alerts/colombia/] * Global hub [/scam-alerts/] Plan smarter Save countries, compare destinations, track visa checklists, and sync your migration plan across devices. Open My Plan [/plan/]Account Dashboard [/account/] Free resources TOOLS & GUIDES Full sitemap → [/sitemap/] PLAN YOUR MOVE * Eligibility quiz [/tools/eligibility/] * Tax calculator [/tools/tax-calculator/] * Tax compare [/tools/tax-compare/] * Tax guides [/tools/tax-guides/] * Points calculator [/tools/points-calculator/] * Cost calculator [/calculator/] * Move planner [/tools/planner/] * Best country [/tools/best-country/] * Pathway finder [/tools/pathway-finder/] * Corridor fit [/tools/corridor-fit/] * Compare 3 countries [/tools/compare-three/] * Job → visa matcher [/tools/job-visa-match/] * Scam checker [/tools/scam-check/] * All tools [/tools/] GUIDES & SAFETY * Visa guides [/visas/] * Scholarships [/scholarships/] * Government jobs [/government-jobs/] * Immigration updates [/countries/canada/immigration-updates/] * Embassies [/embassies/] * Laws [/laws/] * Scam alerts [/scam-alerts/] * Checklists [/checklist/] * Country profiles [/countries/] COMMUNITY * Q&A [/qa/] * People stories [/stories/] * Blog [/blog/] * Android app (Google Play) [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en] * Write for us [/write-for-us/] * Experts [/experts/] * Apply for expert listing [/experts/apply/] * Documentation [/documentation/] * Employers (HR) [/employers/] ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization","name":"MigrantIQ","url":"https://migrantiq.com","logo":"https://migrantiq.com/logo.png","description":"MigrantIQ publishes free migration guides covering visas, laws, costs, culture, banking, healthcare, scam alerts, and moving checklists for 220 countries.","knowsAbout":["immigration","visa requirements","moving abroad","cost of living","immigrant laws","scam protection","arrival checklists"],"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/migrantiq/","https://x.com/MigrantIQ","https://www.instagram.com/migrantiqorg/","https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en"],"contactPoint":[{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"customer support","email":"Info@MigrantIQ.com","url":"https://migrantiq.com/contact/","availableLanguage":["English"]}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#website","name":"MigrantIQ","url":"https://migrantiq.com","publisher":{"@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization"},"inLanguage":"en","potentialAction":{"@type":"SearchAction","target":"https://migrantiq.com/search/?q={search_term_string}","query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}}]} {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://migrantiq.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Scam Alerts","item":"https://migrantiq.com/scam-alerts/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Colombia","item":"https://migrantiq.com/scam-alerts/colombia/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Fake Job Offer and Work Permit Fee","item":"https://migrantiq.com/scam-alerts/colombia/fake-job-offer-work-permit-fee/"}]} {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Article","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/scam-alerts/colombia/fake-job-offer-work-permit-fee/#article","headline":"Fake Job Offer and Work Permit Fee in Colombia: How to Spot and Avoid It","description":"In Colombia, the prevalence of employment fraud, particularly through fake job offers, has become a significant concern among job seekers. Fraudsters often reach out to potential candidates with enticing job offers, claiming they are from reputable companies. After showing interest, applicants are asked to pay various fees, purportedly for work permits, medical examinations, insurance, accommodation, or courier services. These requests usually occur before any legitimate employment relationship is established, exploiting the hopes and aspirations of skilled workers, care workers, and those in the hospitality sector. It is important for newcomers and locals alike to remain vigilant.\n\n## What are the common signs of fake job offers?\n\nFake job offers typically come with several warning signs that can help you identify potential scams. Often, they are unsolicited and lack thorough screening procedures, such as interviews or skill assessments. 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