Five red flags in an overseas job offer
Fake job offers for Europe follow a pattern. If you see any of these five signs, stop and check before you share documents or pay anything.
1. Payment before the job
Any request for money for "processing", "visa guarantee", "registration", "medical" or "job confirmation" is the biggest red flag. Real employers pay for recruitment.
2. A visa promise
"100% visa" or "guaranteed work permit" is impossible. Only consulates and immigration authorities decide.
3. The wrong visa
Being told to travel on a tourist or visit visa and "convert it" in Europe. In most EU countries this cannot be done and leaves you without legal status.
4. No real employer
You cannot find the company in the national business register, the email comes from a free account, or the "employer" only talks to you through an agent.
5. Pressure and secrecy
"Decide today", "do not tell anyone", or "only two seats left" are designed to stop you from checking.
What to do
Check the recruiter on the Ministry of External Affairs list of registered agents, check the company in the European business register, and read our full guide on how to spot a fake job offer.
