NASC Report: How Australia Fights Job Scams

• Job Scams
• National Anti-Scam Centre
• Australia

Learn how the National Anti-Scam Centre's Job Scam Fusion Cell tackled job scams in Australia, protecting vulnerable communities and blocking thousands of fake ads.

Job Scams on the Rise: A Serious Threat to Australians

The National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC) has just released its final report on the efforts of its Job Scam Fusion Cell, shedding light on the concerning rise in job and employment scams across the country. In 2024 alone, Scamwatch received over 3,000 reports of job scams, with reported losses amounting to $13.7 million—an increase of 5.1% compared to other scam types. These scams not only drain finances but also put individuals at risk of identity theft.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Job scams hit certain groups harder than others. People on low incomes, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, international students, non-resident visa holders, and those with caring responsibilities are especially vulnerable. These scams target those who often have fewer employment options and may be more desperate to secure work, making them easy prey for scammers.

What Has the Job Scam Fusion Cell Done?

Between September 2024 and March 2025, the NASC’s Job Scam Fusion Cell coordinated efforts across government, law enforcement, academia, and the private sector. Here’s a look at what they’ve achieved:

• Removed 29,000 scam social media accounts that were sharing fake job opportunities and scams.
• Blocked and blacklisted 836 cryptocurrency wallets used by scammers, thanks to partnerships with digital currency exchanges.
• Taken down 1,850 fake job ads and scam-enabling websites to disrupt fraudulent operations.
• Disrupted scammer impersonations of Australian Government agencies like the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Department of Home Affairs, and APSJobs.
• Ran awareness forums and social media campaigns to educate tertiary education providers and the public about the dangers of job scams.
• Developed guides for businesses to help them and their communities stay safe from scams.
• Established data sharing arrangements with cryptocurrency platforms to better detect and prevent fraud.

Stay Alert: How to Spot a Job Scam

Job scams often lure victims by advertising fake employment opportunities that require upfront payments or personal information. Always be cautious if you’re asked to pay money to secure a job. Legitimate employers never ask you to pay to get hired. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Here are some key red flags to watch out for:

• Job offers that promise high pay for little work.
• Requests for payment for training or equipment before you start.
• Pressure to provide personal information quickly or urgently.
• Offers that arrive out of the blue from unknown recruiters or companies.

Protect Yourself and Your Community

If you come across a suspicious job ad or think you’ve been scammed, report it to Scamwatch and the National Anti-Scam Centre. By reporting scams, you help disrupt criminal networks and protect others from falling victim.

Remember, knowledge is power—stay vigilant, do your research, and never pay money to get a job.