Online Safety: Job offers and earning opportunities that don’t add up

A remote job offering flexible hours and good pay might sound appealing, but how can you tell if the opportunity is genuine?

Employment scams continue to affect Australians, including those looking for work through established recruitment platforms. According to ABC News, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) received 138 scam reports relating to LinkedIn in July and August 2026, with reported losses of up to A$254,449.

Scammers may pose as recruiters or employers to advertise jobs that appear legitimate. Some promise easy earnings through online tasks or cryptocurrency-related activities, while others seek upfront payments or access to personal financial accounts. Understanding these tactics can help you recognise suspicious offers before getting involved.

Look beyond the job advertisement

An unexpected offer deserves closer attention, particularly if you have not applied for the position. Scammers may contact jobseekers through social media, recruitment websites, or messaging apps. Some impersonate established companies or use fake recruiter profiles to make their approaches appear credible.

ABC News has reported cases involving cloned LinkedIn profiles and fraudulent job advertisements targeting Australian jobseekers. A professional-looking profile or a familiar company name does not necessarily confirm that an offer is genuine. Before sharing personal information, check the company's official website and contact the organisation directly to verify the position.

When earning money requires an upfront payment

Some employment scams require applicants to pay for training, equipment or access to online tasks before they can begin working. Others may promise commissions for completing simple activities but require additional deposits before any supposed earnings can be withdrawn.

NAB identifies upfront fees as a common feature of employment scams, including offers that require payment for starter kits or training. Be cautious of opportunities that ask you to purchase cryptocurrency, transfer funds, or make repeated payments to secure work or access earnings. These requests may indicate that the advertised opportunity is not genuine.

Be careful when asked to move money

Some fraudulent job offers involve receiving and transferring money on behalf of another person or business. A supposed employer might offer a commission for accepting funds into your account and forwarding them to another bank account or cryptocurrency wallet.

This arrangement may involve money-mule activity, where individuals are recruited to move funds connected to criminal activity. People can become involved without realising the source of the money, particularly when the transfers are presented as part of a legitimate job. Such arrangements can carry serious financial and legal consequences.

Your BTC Markets account should only be used for your own authorised activities. Never allow another person to access your account or agree to receive and transfer funds on their behalf.

Check before accepting an opportunity

A few practical checks can help you assess an unfamiliar job or earning opportunity:

• Verify the employer. Research the company independently and confirm the offer through its official channels.
• Question unusually high earnings. Be cautious of offers promising substantial income for minimal work.
• Avoid upfront payments. Don't send money or cryptocurrency to secure a job or unlock earnings.
• Protect your information. Be careful when sharing identity documents or financial details, particularly early in the recruitment process.
• Keep control of your accounts. Never share access to your BTC Markets account or move funds on someone else's behalf.
• Watch for pressure. Take extra care if someone urges you to act immediately or keep the arrangement confidential.

If something doesn't add up

If you suspect an employment scam, stop communicating with the person and avoid making further payments. If you have already transferred money or shared sensitive information, contact your financial institution and report the incident to Scamwatch.

If you notice unusual activity on your BTC Markets account or believe your account may have been compromised, contact our Support team through our official channels as soon as possible.

Learn more about how to protect yourself at https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/

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