If Suspect a Scam – Use This Checklist

Scams are becoming more sophisticated, and vulnerable groups like migrant job seekers are often targeted. This is because migrating for work is an expensive, unfamiliar process, and scammers exploit that uncertainty.

The good news is that you can protect yourself by following this comprehensive checklist. With these steps, you’ll gain confidence in evaluating job offers, verifying company legitimacy, and ensuring your hard-earned resources are safe.

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Typical Profile of a Scammer

When seeking work abroad, it’s essential to recognize the telltale signs of a scammer. Scammers targeting migrants often exhibit these characteristics:

1. Unregistered or Fake Companies
   • Operate under newly registered or unverifiable company names.
   • Use vague or incomplete business details, such as generic email addresses or missing physical office locations.
2. Promises That Sound Too Good to Be True
   • Offer unusually high salaries or guaranteed visas with minimal effort.
   • Claim to have special connections with immigration authorities or employers abroad.
3. Requests for Upfront Payments
   • Demand fees for visas, application processing, or job placement before providing proof of their legitimacy.
   • Insist on using untraceable payment methods like cryptocurrency or wire transfers.
4. High-Pressure Tactics
   • Push you to act quickly by creating false urgency, such as saying “this is a one-time offer.”
   • Threaten to revoke the opportunity if you don’t comply immediately.
5. Poor Communication
   • Use unprofessional or poorly written messages, often with spelling and grammar mistakes.
   • Provide vague answers or avoid direct questions about their legitimacy.
6. Frequent Changes in Company Details
   • Alter their company name, email address, website, or phone number frequently.
   • Lack a long history of operating in their field, often closing operations quickly to evade detection.
7. Target Vulnerable Individuals
   • Focus on people in desperate situations, such as migrants looking for work abroad.
   • Exploit unfamiliarity with the job market, immigration systems, or local regulations.

By identifying these red flags, you can steer clear of fraudulent schemes and protect yourself from financial and emotional harm. 

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Here is a Simple Checklist

1. Start with Basic Research

• Google search: Enter the company name and owner’s name along with keywords like “scam,” “fraud,” “reviews,” or “complaints.”
• Social media presence: Check LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram for activity. A lack of genuine interaction can indicate fake profiles.
• Review platforms: Use Trustpilot, Google Reviews, or Yelp to read feedback. Be cautious of repetitive, overly positive comments.

2. Verify Company Registration

• Use country-specific registries to check legitimacy:
  • Australia: ASIC Register
  • New Zealand: NZ Companies Office
  • UK: Companies House
  • USA: State-specific registries
  • Canada: Business Registries
• Look for:
  • Registration date: New companies can be risky.
  • Registered address: Avoid PO Boxes or residential addresses.
  • Name consistency: Frequent name changes may signal instability.

3. Investigate Owners and Directors

• Search the names of owners or directors using:
  • Google Advanced Search: “Name + fraud/lawsuit/bankruptcy.”
  • Public records: Look for connections to dissolved or flagged companies.
  • LinkedIn: Verify their experience and professional background.

4. Check Criminal and Legal History

• Use available public records:
  • Australia: National Police Checks.
  • New Zealand: Court records or judgments.
  • Google News: Search for lawsuits or criminal investigations.

5. Evaluate Online Presence

• Website domain age: Check using Whois Lookup. Scam sites often have newly registered domains.
• Website quality: Look for spelling errors, vague descriptions, or stolen content. Check for plagiarism using Google.
• Security: Ensure the website uses HTTPS and has an SSL certificate.

6. Assess Job Offers and Advertisements

• Be cautious if:
  • Salaries seem too high for the role.
  • There are no qualification or experience requirements.
  • They request upfront payments or sensitive information.

7. Confirm Physical Presence

• Use Google Maps or Street View to verify the office location.
• Avoid addresses that appear to be residential or shared workspaces.

8. Watch for Behavioral Red Flags

• Look out for:
  • Vague or sudden changes in policies.
  • High-pressure sales tactics or unprofessional communication.
  • Non-functional contact details.

9. Explore Migration-Specific Resources

• Support services: Look for government or NGO services for migrants in your destination country.
• Community forums: Join social media groups or forums where other migrants share their experiences and tips. 

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Closing Encouragement

Taking these steps may seem like extra effort, but they’re worth it to protect yourself and ensure your job search is successful. Remember, scammers thrive on urgency and fear—by staying calm and following this checklist, you can make informed decisions and focus on genuine opportunities.

If you have doubts or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out to trusted advisors or migration support services. Together, we can make your job search safer and more successful.