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🇬🇧 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 ↗

How this scam works

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

In the United Kingdom, job seekers, particularly skilled workers and those in care or hospitality, are increasingly targeted by fraudsters offering fake job opportunities. These scammers typically send emails or messages claiming to be from legitimate companies, often including enticing salary packages. However, they will then request that applicants pay various fees upfront. This can include costs for work permits, medical examinations, insurance, accommodation, courier services, or document processing, all under the guise of securing employment.

How Can I Identify a Fake Job Offer?

Many victims fall prey to these scams due to the lack of a formal interview process. Job offers may appear in your inbox without any prior communication or assessment of your skills. these offers often promise salaries that are significantly higher than the market average, raising suspicions.

What Should I Do if I Suspect a Scam?

If you believe you have encountered a fake job offer, you should act quickly. Report the incident to local authorities such as the Action Fraud helpline or the police. consult the official UK government immigration website for genuine information regarding visas and work permits.

Being aware of these scams is vital for your safety and financial security as you pursue job opportunities in the UK.

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 available in the UK. Avoid paying recruitment or work permit fees to personal bank accounts. Confirm the legitimacy of the job offer by checking the company's website and its registration status. ensure that any communication comes from a professional email address rather than a personal one. Conduct thorough research on the job market rates to identify suspiciously high salary offers.

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.
United Kingdom 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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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.