Staying safe

For job seekers

Warning signs of a job scam

• They ask you to pay for anything - training, equipment, a uniform, a visa, a background check.
• The pay is far too good for the work ("$1,000 a week from home, no experience").
• They want your bank details, tax file number, passport or licence before offering you the job.
• They only want to talk on WhatsApp, Telegram or text, and won't meet or give a business address.
• The job is receiving parcels, reselling goods, or moving money through your bank account - this can make you part of a crime.
• They push you to decide right now, or offer the job without any interview.
• They say you'll be paid as a "contractor" and need your own ABN for a normal job like waiting tables or kitchen work - that may be illegal sham contracting.

Good habits

• Look up the business, and check their ABN at abr.business.gov.au.
• Meet for interviews in a public place or at the actual workplace, and tell someone where you're going.
• Only give your tax file number and bank details once you've been offered the job and have a start date.
• Know your rights: the Fair Work Ombudsman can tell you the right pay for your job at fairwork.gov.au (13 13 94). Unpaid trials are only allowed in very limited cases.
• If something feels wrong, stop - and report it.

How to report a job

Every job page has a "Report this job" link. Tell us what's wrong and we'll look at it. Jobs reported by several people are paused automatically while we check. You can also email [email protected].

If you've lost money or shared personal details with a scammer: contact your bank straight away, report it at scamwatch.gov.au and cyber.gov.au, and get free help from IDCARE (1800 595 160).

For businesses

• Use applicants' details only for the job they applied for, and keep them secure.
• Check the right to work (for visa holders, use VEVO on the Home Affairs website) and any licences or tickets before someone starts - applicants tell us these themselves and we don't verify them.
• Pay at least the award or minimum wage, and follow the Fair Work rules on casuals, trial shifts and young workers.
• Mark fake or no-show applicants with the "Fake / no-show" button so they can't waste anyone else's time.

How StaffSearch AI keeps the site safe

• Every business needs a valid Australian Business Number (ABN).
• We scan ads for scam warning signs and remove ads that break our rules.
• We block throwaway email addresses, robots and people reported for fake applications.
• Employers only ever see the people who applied to their own jobs.