A job that asks you to pay first deserves a second look

The offer arrives in a message: flexible work, simple online tasks and quick earnings. Then comes a request to deposit money before starting, or to pay again before withdrawing an apparent balance.

Scamwatch warns about jobs that require payment to make money. Fraudsters impersonate recruiters and recognisable businesses to obtain money or identity details. A familiar company name in a chat is not proof that the company sent it.

Ask what the actual job is

Before sharing personal documents, find the employer independently. Check its own recruitment page and contact it through a number you found yourself. A link, identity badge or phone number supplied by the person making the offer cannot independently verify that person.

For a student looking for work between classes, the promise of an immediate start can feel helpful. Urgency should not remove the chance to understand the duties, employer and payment arrangement.

Do not pay to unlock a supposed wage

The ACCC's job-scam animation shows an offer involving online-store ratings and a payment to begin. It illustrates a common tactic, rather than documenting a particular employer or student.

A balance displayed on a website is not evidence that money can be withdrawn. If the demand keeps changing, do not send another payment in the hope of recovering the first one. Keep the messages and transaction details without continuing the conversation.

Act quickly if you have paid

Contact your bank or payment provider immediately and explain what happened. Scamwatch also advises cutting contact with the fake business, protecting affected accounts and reporting the scam. Recovery is not guaranteed, but a prompt report gives the provider the best opportunity to respond.

If a student friend brings you an offer, help them check the employer without blaming them for receiving it. Convincing recruitment messages are designed to look like an opportunity, and pressure works best when the recipient feels they must decide alone.