The strongest warning signs
One warning does not prove fraud, but several together should stop the application.
- Payment for equipment, checks, training or access to the job
- Unexpected contact through WhatsApp, Telegram or text
- Unusually high pay for very simple work
- Pressure to act immediately or avoid a normal interview
- Email addresses that do not use the employer’s official domain
- Requests for bank access, login codes, cryptocurrency or gift cards
Verify the vacancy independently
Do not rely on links or telephone numbers supplied by the recruiter. Find the organisation’s website yourself, open its careers page and contact it through independently sourced details.
Check whether the company, role, salary, location rules and recruiter identity agree across several sources. A copied company name can still be used in a fake advert.
Protect identity documents
A real employer may eventually need identity, tax or banking information, but timing and method matter. Do not send passports, licences, bank details or verification codes before confirming the employer and understanding why the information is required.
If you already sent money or information
Contact the relevant bank or payment provider immediately, preserve messages and report the incident through appropriate official fraud-reporting channels. Change exposed passwords and do not continue negotiating with the sender.