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🇵🇷 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 Puerto Rico, a significant employment fraud involves scammers sending fake job offers to individuals seeking work, particularly in fields like hospitality, healthcare, and skilled labor. These fraudulent offers often appear legitimate, complete with professional-looking emails and company branding. However, once the applicant shows interest, the scammer requests payment for various fees, including work permits, medical exams, insurance, accommodation, and courier charges. This scheme exploits the urgency of job seekers, making them more susceptible to falling for these scams.

How do I identify a fake job offer?

Victims may receive job offers without any formal interview process or skills assessment. The offers often promise salaries that significantly exceed the average for similar positions in Puerto Rico, raising red flags. scammers typically direct applicants to pay fees upfront before any employment contract is finalized. You should be vigilant and conduct thorough research to avoid becoming a victim of this scam.

What should I do if I suspect a scam?

If you suspect that you have received a fraudulent job offer, you should report it to the local authorities or consumer protection agencies in Puerto Rico. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides resources for verifying employers and job offers. Always be cautious when dealing with potential employers, especially if they request payment before employment begins.

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
Communication is primarily through personal email accounts rather than official company emails

How to protect yourself

To protect yourself from fake job offer scams in Puerto Rico, always verify the legitimacy of the employer through official company registries. Use contact details found on their official website rather than those provided in the job offer. Do not pay any recruitment or work permit fees to personal bank accounts. It is also advisable to consult with local authorities or agencies like USCIS before proceeding with any job offers that require upfront payments.

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.
Puerto Rico 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.