Stay Safe When Applying for Jobs
Most employment opportunities are genuine, but fraudulent job offers and employer-impersonation attempts can occur across the wider online job market. Knowing the warning signs can help you protect your money, identity and personal information.
Common Warning Signs
Any one of these should prompt further verification — none are automatic proof of fraud.
- You are offered a job immediately without a meaningful interview.
- The pay appears unusually high for simple work or very limited hours.
- You are asked to pay money, purchase cryptocurrency, buy a starter kit or transfer funds.
- You are asked to receive money through your personal bank account.
- You are asked to receive and resend packages or goods.
- The employer pressures you to act immediately.
- Communication occurs only through WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal or text messages.
- The email address, website or contact details do not match the organisation being represented.
- The job description is vague and the employer will not provide clear company details.
- Sensitive identity documents are requested before the employer and role have been independently verified.
Protect Yourself
- Research the organisation independently.
- Visit its official website rather than relying only on a supplied link.
- Call the organisation through a publicly listed phone number.
- Check the business name and ABN where appropriate.
- Never transfer money merely to obtain a promised job.
- Never allow an employer to use your bank account to receive or forward funds.
- Ask why identity information is required and how it will be stored.
- Verify the employer before supplying passport, driver licence, TFN or banking information.
- Keep copies of advertisements and messages.
- Report suspicious behaviour immediately.
What atJOBS Does
atJOBS uses reasonable measures to improve listing quality and investigates reports of suspicious advertisements or conduct. However, applicants should independently assess employers and external websites before providing sensitive information or transferring money.
Report a Concern
Use the report link on any job listing to notify our team. For financial loss, identity theft or online crime, please also report to the relevant Australian authority.
Important Notice
atJOBS provides access to advertisements submitted by employers, recruiters and external job sources. atJOBS does not guarantee the identity, conduct or accuracy of every third-party advertiser or linked website. Never transfer money or provide sensitive personal information until you have independently verified the organisation and the purpose for which the information is required.
This guide is maintained by atJOBS to help jobseekers apply safely. It is general information, not legal advice.