International students can be targets for job scams. Knowing the warning signs protects you and your money.

Common Job Scams

The "Unpaid Trial" Scam

How it works: You're asked to work multiple unpaid "trial shifts" with no real intention to hire you.

Red flags:

• Trial longer than 2 hours
• Multiple trial shifts
• Doing productive work for free
• Vague about when they'll decide

The "Pay for Training" Scam

How it works: You're asked to pay for training, uniforms, or equipment upfront before starting work.

Reality: Legitimate employers provide or subsidize these things.

The "Work From Home" Money Scam

How it works: You're offered easy work from home but need to receive money and transfer it elsewhere.

Reality: This is money laundering. You could face criminal charges.

The "Advance Fee" Scam

How it works: Pay a fee to "process your application" or "guarantee placement."

Reality: Legitimate employers never charge application fees.

The "Investment/Crypto" Job Scam

How it works: High pay for simple tasks, but you need to invest money first.

Reality: You'll lose your investment. This is fraud.

The "Too Good to Be True" Scam

How it works: Incredible pay for minimal work with no experience required.

Reality: If it sounds too good to be true, it is.

Red Flags Checklist

The Job Listing

🚩 Vague job description 🚩 No company name mentioned 🚩 Uses free email (gmail, hotmail) not company email 🚩 Salary way above market rate 🚩 "No experience needed" for complex role 🚩 Urgency ("Apply NOW! Limited spots!")

The Interview

🚩 Interview via WhatsApp or Facebook only 🚩 No in-person or video meeting offered 🚩 Hiring without proper interview 🚩 Asking for bank details before hiring 🚩 Pressuring you to decide immediately

The Offer

🚩 No formal employment contract 🚩 Asking you to pay for anything 🚩 Cash-only payment with no records 🚩 Starting immediately without paperwork 🚩 Vague about pay rate or conditions

Protecting Yourself

Before Applying

1. Research the company — Google the name + "scam"
2. Check ABN — Legitimate businesses have one (abr.gov.au)
3. Verify contact details — Real address? Real phone number?
4. Compare salaries — Is the pay realistic for the role?

During the Process

1. Meet in person or video call — Avoid text-only communication
2. Never pay anything — No fees, no training costs upfront
3. Get everything in writing — Contracts, pay rates, conditions
4. Trust your instincts — If something feels wrong, it probably is

If You're Unsure

• Ask your university's career service
• Check with other international students
• Search the company on Reddit/forums
• Call the company directly using a number you find independently

What to Do If Scammed

Immediately

1. Stop all contact with the scammer
2. Don't send any more money
3. Document everything (screenshots, messages)

Report It

• Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) — Report scams
• Fair Work Ombudsman — Work-related issues
• Police — If you've lost significant money or provided ID documents

Protect Yourself

• Monitor your bank accounts
• Consider a credit check if you shared personal details
• Change passwords if you shared any credentials

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Key message: Take your time. Legitimate employers don't pressure you. A good job is worth waiting for — don't let desperation lead you into a trap.