Media Release
Unicorn job scams: Criminals target vulnerable Aussies looking for work
Editor’s note: Audio grabs and screenshot images of job scams are available via Hightail
“Earn $1000 a month from home! No experience needed. Work just 1-3 hours a day. Apply now!”
Does this job ad look familiar? Maybe it popped up on your social media feed or magically landed in your email inbox. Either way, it’s not the once-in-a-lifetime unicorn job offer it purports to be. Rather, it’s a flat-out con job – and one that can have criminal consequences.
Criminals are targeting Australians looking for flexible, remote or part-time work by posting fake job ads online.
They’re called employment or job scams and are designed to exploit job seekers by offering what seems like quick and easy money for little work required.
The deceptive job ads involve simple online tasks, such as liking social media posts, reviewing products or entering data. They appear as legitimate ‘side hustle’ gigs and are shared widely on social media platforms, messaging apps, and even gaming sites.
Scammers impersonate either recruiters or representatives from legitimate companies in education, healthcare, mining, real estate, tourism or entertainment (TV and/or film) to attract and gain trust from online applicants.
Once job seekers apply for these fake roles, they are tricked into handing over their own money for deceptive fees such as investment, training or registration costs. They also risk having their identities stolen by the criminals, who then use them to commit other frauds.
The AFP anticipates criminal networks will increasingly ramp up fake job ads online to lure and defraud Australians already facing financial pressures. In January 2025 alone, Australians lost more than $4.2 million to employment scams reported to Scamwatch.
AFP Commander Graeme Marshall said employment scams were a deeply concerning trend.
“Criminals are targeting vulnerable Australians, especially those already feeling the pinch, who have been unemployed for a long period of time or are seeking secondary employment for extra income,” Commander Marshall said.
“Scammers tailor these job ads to hit all your vulnerable spots. They offer hope to people who are struggling, only to leave them worse off and in some cases entangled in serious criminal activity.”
The AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre (JPC3) has identified organised criminal networks advertising fake jobs that offer up to $1000 a month plus commission. However, applicants are rarely paid.
Scammers may ask applicants to invest upfront, with the false promise they will be reimbursed once work begins. The criminals may make small initial payments to appear legitimate, before demanding more money for access to higher-paying tasks.
In some cases, victims are told they need to pay for training, equipment, or registration fees via bank transfer or cryptocurrency, but criminals instead pocket this cash.
Scammers will also request victims’ personal information, such as bank details, tax file numbers and passport details, under the guise of a job application, and use those details to open bank accounts in the victims’ names and commit other serious crimes such as identity theft and money laundering.
Identity theft can have long-lasting, negative, and costly consequences for victims who could be dragged into criminal investigations, targeted by increased scams or spam calls/emails, and suffer credit damage.
Commander Marshall said the AFP urged individuals looking for part-time or temporary work to seek out legitimate recruitment companies or well-regarded online job advertisement boards.
“No legitimate employer will ever ask you to pay to get a job. If you’re being asked to pay for things to complete a recruitment process, it’s most likely a scam,” Commander Marshall said.
“If the job description sounds vague, requires an upfront investment, and is overly generous in its pay compared to the work or input required, these are all the hallmarks of a job scam.
“As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, gut instinct alone is no longer enough.
“We need the public to do their due diligence and question anything that sounds too good to be true.
“Take the time to verify job offers by researching the company or recruiter and calling them via the contact details located on their official website.
“Scam techniques are constantly evolving, but so can we. By learning to spot the red flags individuals can help protect not just themselves, but their whole community.
Protect yourself from job scams
Research the legitimacy of job offers by contacting companies directly using official contact information.
Some job scam ads misspell “j0b”.
Be cautious of jobs with vague responsibilities or unrealistic salaries.
Don't share banking and personal details with anyone you don't know or trust.
Legitimate employers never ask for money upfront.
Don't engage with online posts offering large sums of money.
If someone asks to use or 'borrow' your bank account, say no.
If you suspect something is not right, reject the offer.
What to do if you're a victim
Stop all communication with the scammer.
Contact your financial institution if you have transferred money or suspect unusual account activity.
Report it to police using Report Cyber.
Report suspected scams to ScamWatch to help others avoid similar scams.
If you were contacted via social media, report it to the social media platform.
Use strong, unique passphrases on your accounts and enable Multi-Factor Authentication wherever possible.
If you are concerned your identity has been compromised, contact the national identity and cyber support service, IDCARE.
If you, or someone you know needs help, we encourage you to contact Lifeline on13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on1300 224 636. They provide 24/7 support services.
About the JPC3:
The JPC3 brings together Australian law enforcement and key industry and international partners to fight cybercrime and prevent harm and financial loss to the Australian community.
We are committed to equipping all Australians with the knowledge and resources to protect themselves against cybercrime.
Watch our cybercrime prevention videos and protect yourself from being a victim of cybercrime.
If there is an immediate threat to life, or risk of harm, call 000.
If you are a victim of cybercrime, report it to police using Report Cyber.
