Looking for a job is hard enough, but for many young Australians, it’s becoming even more stressful. Instead of finding legitimate work, more and more young people are falling victim to job scams that can cost them thousands of dollars. It’s not just a few isolated cases; this has become a widespread issue, and scam networks are getting smarter.
The Growing Number of Job Scams
Take Manish Bholan, for example. The 23-year-old moved to Perth from Nepal just six months ago, eager to start a new life and find stable work. He found a cleaning job advertised on a local Facebook group and thought he’d struck gold. But after responding to the ad, things quickly went downhill. He was asked to pay a $345 fee for “form processing” and then another $450 for “work clothing.” That’s when he realized he’d been scammed, reports ABC News.
Unfortunately, Manish’s story is all too common. According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the number of reported job scams targeting people aged 24 and under has soared. In 2025, there were 837 reports, up from 361 the previous year. It’s a worrying trend that shows no sign of slowing down.
How These Scams Work
The way these scams operate is pretty slick. Criminals post job ads for roles that sound too good to pass up: high pay, minimal effort. But once someone shows interest, they start asking for money—first for “processing fees,” then for work uniforms, or even training.
It’s not just about stealing money either. Some scammers go further by getting young job seekers to move money or receive payments as part of the “job.” James Roberts from the Commonwealth Bank explains that many of these jobseekers don’t realize their bank accounts are being used for money laundering, which can have serious legal consequences.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
The ACCC and WA ScamNet are warning job seekers to stay alert. Job ads that require upfront fees are a huge red flag. Legitimate employers don’t ask for money to secure a position. They also advise verifying any organization before proceeding further—just because a job looks legit on paper doesn’t mean it is.
Also, be extra cautious if you’re asked to pay through bank transfers, PayID, or cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. Scammers love these methods because they’re hard to trace, and once the money is gone, it’s nearly impossible to get back.
Protecting Yourself from Job Scams
It’s hard to think clearly when you’re desperate for a job, but staying calm and doing your research can save you from falling victim to these scams. As Consumer Protection Commissioner Trish Blake said, scammers are “among the best behavioral scientists on the planet”, and they know how to prey on vulnerabilities. The key is to trust your instincts, and if something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t.
If you do find yourself in the middle of a scam, it’s crucial to contact your bank immediately and report the incident to Scamwatch. The sooner you act, the better your chances of limiting the damage.
