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Fake Job Offer and Work Permit Fee

### What is the Fake Job Offer and Work Permit Fee Scam? The Fake Job Offer and Work Permit Fee scam is a prevalent form of employment fraud targeting job seekers in the United States. In this scam, fraudsters create enticing job offers, often for positions in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, and sk

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

The Fake Job Offer and Work Permit Fee scam is a prevalent form of employment fraud targeting job seekers in the United States. In this scam, fraudsters create enticing job offers, often for positions in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, and skilled trades. Once a potential candidate expresses interest, the scammer request

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Editorially reviewedLast updated 2026-10-04Reviewed by MigrantIQ Editorial TeamOfficial reporting channel ↗

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How this scam works

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

The Fake Job Offer and Work Permit Fee scam is a prevalent form of employment fraud targeting job seekers in the United States. In this scam, fraudsters create enticing job offers, often for positions in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, and skilled trades. Once a potential candidate expresses interest, the scammer requests upfront payments for various fees related to obtaining work permits, medical exams, insurance, accommodation, or courier services. These fees are often framed as necessary to secure employment, but they are simply tactics to extract money from unsuspecting individuals.

How Can You Identify This Scam?

You should recognize the signs of this scam to protect yourself. Scammers often operate under the guise of legitimate companies, using fake websites and email addresses. They may send job offers without conducting any interviews or skills assessments. they may offer salaries that are significantly higher than the average for the position, which should raise red flags.

What Should You Do if You Encounter This Scam?

If you suspect that you have received a fake job offer, you should report it to the appropriate authorities. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides resources and guidance on how to report such fraud. Always conduct thorough research on potential employers before sharing personal information or making any financial commitments.

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 avoid falling victim to this scam, verify the legitimacy of the employer through official company registries in the United States. Always use official channels to contact the company and confirm their job offers. Do not pay any recruitment or permit fees to personal accounts, and be wary of any requests for upfront payments. confirm whether the employer is listed with recognized entities like the Better Business Bureau.

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
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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

Who is targeted

job seekersskilled workerscare workershospitality workers

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Legitimate government fees are paid through official channels with receipts. Never wire cash to personal accounts for a “guaranteed” outcome.

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