Beware of job scams - Scamwatch

Job and employment scams are targeted to steal money and personal information. Scammers often impersonate legitimate businesses or well-known recruitment agencies. They use a variety of methods to advertise non-existent jobs, including messaging or social media platforms. 

Job scams disproportionately impact young people, and within that cohort, international students are an especially at-risk group. According to Scamwatch data (2024), 14.1% of job scam reports are made by people who identify English as a second language compared to 4.7% for all other scams combined. 

So, why are students, and international students particularly, at heightened risk of encountering job scams?

• Firstly, students look for jobs online - the more time searching, the more likely they’ll encounter a scam.
• Scammers deliberately advertise roles that suit students; remote, part-time, flexible, no experience needed, and potentially free of visa restrictions. 
• Lastly, and particularly for international students, they may not be familiar with the Australian job market, even though in some countries, instant messaging - a key element of job scams - is used by legitimate organisations in ways it tends not to be in Australia.

Types of job scams:

• Task-based scams, which make up most job scams and are responsible for the biggest losses. In this type of scam, scammers demand money from victims to unlock tasks or commissions. 
• (Then) Upfront fee scams, where scammers demand payment for services or equipment (that’s never delivered) so you can start the new role.
• (And the final type) Money mule scams, where victims are recruited to launder money though their personal bank account, under the guise of making legitimate payments for an organisation. 

Warning signs it might be a scam:

• A recruiter contacts you unexpectedly through text message or encrypted message platforms like WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram.
• You are told you can earn a high income while working from home and with little effort.
• The hiring process is quick. There’s no interview or discussion about your qualifications, experience, and references.
• You are told to top up an account with your own money or cryptocurrency to complete tasks.
• The job involves transferring money, making purchases, or receiving packages on behalf of someone else.
• You are required to pay a 'recruitment fee’ or pay for training materials before you begin the job and make any money.

Steps you can take to protect yourself:

• STOP: Take a moment before acting. Don't trust an ad just because it's on a trusted platform.
• CHECK: Research the employer, verify job details and look for red flags.
• PROTECT: If targeted, act quickly by contacting your bank and reporting to Scamwatch via www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam.