Real jobs don't charge you.

Being asked to pay for anything to get or start the job — training, equipment, software, a background check or a starter kit. Receiving a cheque or transfer and being asked to send part of it on or buy from their chosen vendor. Being asked to reship packages or move money through your account. And "task" jobs where you earn for rating products but must deposit money to unlock earnings. Any one of these means stop.

You mark which signs apply — fees, forwarded money, early data requests, chat-only interviews, free or lookalike email domains, a role missing from the company's careers page, unusually high pay and pressure to decide. Each is weighted by how strongly it points to fraud. Dealbreakers push the score straight to 100. A low score isn't proof the offer is real — verification is still the final step.

Find the company's website yourself rather than clicking links the recruiter sent, and check whether the role appears on its own careers page. Then contact the company using the details on its official site and ask whether the role and recruiter are genuine. A real company registration alone doesn't prove the recruiter works there, because scammers often borrow real names.

Your CV and general contact details are normally enough. Bank details, identity documents and national identity numbers belong in official onboarding after a verified formal offer — not in a chat. Don't install software a recruiter sends, and keep conversations on official company channels.

Stop replying and contact your bank or payment provider straight away — speed can matter. Don't forward any money or packages. If you shared ID or bank details, watch your accounts and use the identity-protection steps available where you live. Report it to the job platform and your national fraud service or police. And be wary of anyone offering to recover your money for a fee — that's very often a second scam.