An employment scam tricks job seekers by offering fake jobs or lying about real ones. They do this to get personal info, money, or both by pretending to give you a job. Scammers put up job ads on websites, job boards, or social media that look real, pretending to be well-known companies. They promise big pay, flexible hours, or remote work to get people to apply without suspecting anything. 

Telltale Signs of Employment Scam 

Unclear Job Descriptions: 

Watch out for job ads that don't tell you much about the job, what you'll do, or info about the company. Real jobs give clear details about the role and the company. 

Unexpected Job Offers: 

Be careful if you get job offers you didn't ask for, especially if they seem too good to be true. 

Paying Before Jobs: 

Real employers don't ask you to pay for applying, checks, or training. Asking for money upfront is a warning sign. 

Bad Talk or Writing: 

Scams often have bad writing, mistakes, or mixed-up info in job ads, emails, or messages. 

What to do when you encounter an Impersonation Scam 

Check the Company 

Look up the company online, check their website, and contact them directly to make sure the job offer is real. 

Be more vigilant 

Secure personal information by monitoring accounts, changing passwords, and being vigilant against potential identity theft. 

Don't Engage or Send Money 

Never send money, personal information, or financial details to anyone promising you a job. Legitimate companies won't require such things upfront. 

Report the Scam 

Don't let the scammers get away with it. Report the scam to the relevant authorities like the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and Scamwatch.