How to spot a fake job offer as a student

Job scams often target students and graduates, promising attractive pay rates, flexible working hours, and minimal experience required. Some common scams include:

• fake recruitment agencies: Scammers pose as recruitment agencies or hiring companies, contacting students out of the blue with fake job offers. These messages often promise high pay rates and flexible working hours but require an initial investment or personal details such as bank details or a national insurance (NI) number.
• job offers requiring payment: Some scammers promise job opportunities that require students to pay for training, equipment, or other expenses upfront. Legitimate employers never ask for payment from job applicants.
• phishing scams: Scammers send fake job offers or messages with phishing links, aiming to steal personal details or login credentials. 

To avoid falling victim to job scams, look out for these red flags.

If the job offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of jobs promising unusually high pay rates or guaranteed employment.

Be cautious of job offers or messages from recruiters or companies you've never heard of or haven't applied to.

Never pay for job opportunities, training, or equipment. Legitimate employers cover these costs.

Legitimate job offers usually come with professional communication. Be wary of messages with poor grammar and spelling.

Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure students into making decisions quickly. Take your time to research and verify the opportunity.

Find out more information about What to do if you think you’ve been scammed.

To stay safe, you should always:

• verify the employer: Research the company and check their official website, social media, and reviews
• check for red flags: Look out for signs of a scam, such as poor grammar, unsolicited messages, or requests for payment
• be cautious with links: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown senders
• use official channels: Contact the company directly using their official phone number or email address

Read our guide to the many different Types of scam, some of which you might see elsewhere on WhatsApp and other social media and messaging apps.

Follow these steps if you think you've been scammed or have responded to a scam message.

Inform the company or platform where you encountered the scam.

If you've made a payment, contact your bank to report the suspicious activity. There’s more in our blog about  How to get a refund for bank transfer scams.

Reach out to your university's student support services or a trusted advisor for guidance and support.

Be cautious of future job offers and continue to verify opportunities thoroughly.

If the worst does happen, find out what to do if your identity is stolen.

By being aware of these common student job scams and taking steps to protect yourself, you can minimise the risk of falling victim to scammers and find real job opportunities. Stay safe and stay informed!