Searching for a new job can be exciting, whether you’re looking for a career change, a part-time role or a way to earn some extra income. Unfortunately, scammers know this too.

Job scams are becoming increasingly common and often appear convincing. They can be found on social media, job websites, messaging apps and even via text message. Their goal is often to steal your money, personal information or both.

Many job scams start with an offer that sounds too good to be true. You might receive an unexpected message about a role with great pay, flexible hours and little or no experience required. Once they’ve gained your trust, scammers may ask for personal information, banking details, or even money for training, equipment or registration fees.

Remember, legitimate employers pay their employees. They don’t ask applicants to send money before they can start work.

Some common examples include:

• Work-from-home jobs that involve receiving and resending parcels.
• Roles offering hundreds of dollars a day for simple online tasks.
• Messages claiming you’ve been selected for a job you never applied for.
• Requests to pay for training before you can start.
• Jobs that ask you to receive or transfer money between bank accounts.

Recently, there has been an increase in scam text messages offering fake employment opportunities. This article from the ABC highlights how convincing these scams can be.

Be cautious if you notice any of the following warning signs:

• Unsolicited job offers via text, email or social media.
• High pay for very little work.
• Pressure to act quickly.
• Requests to keep the opportunity confidential.
• Upfront fees or payments.
• Requests for personal or banking details early in the recruitment process.

If something feels rushed, secretive or simply doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts and take the time to investigate further.

A few simple steps can help protect you:

• Research the company independently.
• Contact the employer using details from their official website.
• Never pay to secure employment.
• Keep your personal and financial information private.
• Take your time before making a decision.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has also shared a real-life story from an Australian job scam victim, highlighting how easily these scams can catch people out.

If you think you’ve shared personal or financial information with a scammer, contact your bank immediately, stop communicating with the scammer and report the incident to Scamwatch.

Finding a new job should be exciting, not stressful. By staying alert and taking a moment to verify opportunities, you can help protect yourself from job scams and keep your personal information and money safe.