Red Flags of a Foreign Job Scam
Warning signs that a job offer or agency may not be legitimate — recognize these before you commit.
Unrealistic offers
Salaries far above the market rate for the role and destination country, or jobs advertised as requiring 'no experience, no interview, guaranteed visa' are common bait used to lure victims. Legitimate overseas jobs still involve a selection process.
Pressure and urgency
Scammers often create artificial urgency — 'only 2 spots left', 'pay today or lose the opportunity' — to stop you from doing due diligence like checking the agency's license or discussing the offer with family.
Upfront cash demands with no paper trail
Be wary of requests for large cash payments, payments to a personal bank account instead of a registered business account, or payments with no receipt or written agreement.
Passport or document confiscation before departure
You should keep control of your own passport and identity documents until you are ready to travel through proper, verified channels. An agency asking to 'hold' your passport indefinitely before any formal process has begun is a serious warning sign.
No license number, or one that doesn't check out
If an agency can't produce a valid SLBFE license number, or the number doesn't match their name when you check it, stop the process immediately and report it.
What to do if you suspect a scam
Stop all payments immediately. Do not hand over your passport or original documents. Contact the SLBFE hotline directly to report the agency, and consider reporting to the police if money has already been paid.