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🇪🇨 Fake Job Offer and Work Permit Fee

HighEmployment FraudPublisher: MigrantIQ Safety3 min read6 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 Ecuador, job seekers may encounter a prevalent scam involving fake job offers. Fraudsters pose as employers, offering lucrative positions in various sectors, including hospitality, healthcare, and skilled trades. Once they gain the applicant's interest, they request payments for work permits, medical examinations, insurance, accommodation, and courier fees, often before any formal employment agreement is established. This scam exploits the hopes of individuals seeking legitimate employment, causing financial loss and emotional distress.

How can I identify a fake job offer?

You should remain vigilant when evaluating job offers. Scammers often use tactics to create a sense of urgency or legitimacy, such as providing official-looking documents or using familiar company names. However, these offers are rarely genuine. Job seekers need to be cautious and conduct thorough research before making any financial commitments.

What should I do if I suspect a scam?

If you believe you have encountered a scam, you should report the incident to local authorities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility in Ecuador can provide guidance and support. keeping records of all communications can be helpful when reporting the scam.

Overall, awareness and due diligence are key to avoiding falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.

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 employer through official company registries and contact details within Ecuador. Do not pay recruitment or permit fees to personal accounts, as legitimate employers will not request such payments upfront. Confirm whether the employer is legally registered and authorized to operate in Ecuador. If in doubt, consult with local authorities or trusted organizations for assistance.

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.
Ecuador official reporting channels
Use official reporting channels if you were targeted or lost money.

Who is targeted

job seekersskilled workerscare workershospitality workers

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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.