Scams Exploit Young Job Seekers with Criminal Intent
Employment scams are on the rise, specifically targeting young job seekers across Australia. Recent reports indicate a surge in fraudulent job offers, which often exploit the hopes of those seeking employment.
Understanding the Increase in Job Scams
In 2025, Scamwatch recorded an alarming rise in job-related scams, particularly among individuals aged 24 and under. Reports escalated from 361 in 2024 to 837 in just one year. This steep increase highlights the vulnerability of younger job seekers.
- 2024 Reports: 361 job scams
- 2025 Reports: 837 job scams
Among those affected is Manish Bholan, a 23-year-old who relocated from Nepal to Perth. Bholan sought a cleaning position advertised on a Facebook group. Unbeknownst to him, responding to that ad led him to an employment scam. Initially asked to pay $345 for a processing fee, Bholan soon realized he was being manipulated when he was demanded an additional $450 for work attire.
The Methods Used by Scammers
Scammers are leveraging online platforms and messaging services to perpetrate these frauds. Scamwatch reported that online job scams accounted for 370 cases in 2025, a sharp increase from 199 in 2024. Similarly, the number of text message scams surged from 63 to 315.
In total, Australians lost approximately $19 million to job scams executed through online channels. These scams are often run by organized criminal networks that possess sophisticated techniques for manipulating unsuspecting victims.
Warning Signs and Protections
WA ScamNet urges job seekers to remain cautious. It recommends being skeptical of offers that promise unusually high salaries, demand upfront fees, or insist on personal or banking information. Legitimate employers do not request payments for securing job positions.
Types of Scams
Scammers frequently pose as recruiters for reputable companies, presenting attractive job opportunities that may not even exist. Their ultimate goal is to extract money and identity details from victims.
Advice for Job Seekers
- Do not pay money to secure a job.
- Verify the legitimacy of job offers and the employers.
- Be wary of job listings on social media platforms.
Consequences of Falling for Scams
James Roberts, CommBank’s executive general manager of fraud and scams, emphasized the gradual unfolding of such scams. Victims may unknowingly become embroiled in criminal activities, including money laundering.
If someone discovers that their bank account has been used for illicit activities, they should contact their bank immediately to mitigate potential consequences.
What to Do if You Are Scammed
In case of falling victim to a scam, it is crucial to take immediate action. People are advised to:
- Contact their bank and report the incident.
- Reach out to IDCARE for assistance in recovering lost funds.
- Report the scam to Scamwatch and, if necessary, the police.
As of 2025, Australians reported losing over $2 billion to various scams. It is essential for individuals, especially young job seekers, to be vigilant and informed about the warning signs of scams to protect themselves effectively.
