According to Scamwatch, the incidence of employment fraud among individuals aged 24 and younger has more than doubled in 2025 compared to the previous year.
The Commonwealth Bank has issued a warning that employment scams can develop gradually and may involve unlawful activities.
Job seekers are being urged to remain alert, as scammers frequently promote enticing job offers that promise high salaries for minimal work.
Manish Bholan, a 23-year-old who relocated to Perth from Nepal six months ago, has been actively searching for employment. He encountered a cleaning job posted on a Facebook group but unfortunately fell victim to an employment scam instead.
After responding to the advertisement, he was prompted by a supposed recruiter to complete a form and pay $345 for processing fees. “I paid for it to secure a new job,” he recounted to the ABC. “Later, he requested an additional $450 for the work clothing, and that’s when I realized I had been scammed.”
Bholan represents one of many young individuals who are increasingly being targeted by employment scams, as highlighted by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Scamwatch.
Reported cases of job-related scams among this demographic surged to 837 last year, a significant increase from the 361 cases reported in 2024.
Of these scams, online methods have become the most prevalent, with 370 reports this year, up from 199 last year. Additionally, text message scams have risen dramatically, jumping from 63 reports in 2024 to 315 in 2025.
Overall, victims reported losses totaling $19 million to job scams conducted through online channels, according to Scamwatch.
The agency has cautioned that many of these scams are now executed by organized and sophisticated criminal networks, often operating from dedicated locations equipped with the necessary resources, training, and tools to effectively exploit victims.
Bholan expressed that authorities should take decisive and immediate measures against those responsible to prevent further victimization. “No one else should have to endure this experience,” he stated.
WA ScamNet advises job seekers to be cautious of positions that claim to offer unusually high salaries, require upfront payments, or pressure applicants to provide personal or banking information. “Legitimate employers will never ask for money to secure employment,” the agency noted, urging individuals to verify the legitimacy of any organization before proceeding.
The Commonwealth Bank has emphasized that employment scams can evolve over time and may involve illegal activities. James Roberts, the bank’s executive general manager of fraud and scams, remarked, “Scammers are posing as employers and offering flexible or casual jobs, then asking young individuals to handle funds as part of their role.”
Many victims may not realize that their bank accounts are being misused to facilitate criminal activities. “Even if someone is initially unaware, allowing their account to be used for these purposes can result in account restrictions or closures. Money laundering is a serious crime,” Roberts added.
He emphasized the need to differentiate between those who are unknowingly exploited by scammers and those who knowingly permit access to their bank accounts. Victims are encouraged to contact their banks as soon as possible for assistance.
According to the Commonwealth Bank’s analysis, 1,825 Facebook groups were identified between August 8 and October 7, 2024, advertising the rental or sale of Australian bank accounts.
Scamwatch has advised anyone receiving job offers that require payment to scrutinize them closely, as they may be fraudulent. “Scammers often advertise high-paying jobs that demand little work, but ultimately only benefit the scammer. Frequently, these jobs do not exist at all,” the authority stated.
Scammers typically impersonate recruiters from reputable companies and online shopping platforms, aiming to steal money and personal information. They often request payments to commence work and secure promised income. “Avoid any arrangements that require upfront payments via bank transfer, PayID, or cryptocurrency, as recovering funds sent in this manner is rare,” Scamwatch cautioned.
If you suspect you have fallen victim to a scam, it is advisable to contact your bank and seek support for recovery, as well as report the incident to the appropriate authorities.
