Job and remote work scams

Job scams promise easy remote work or good pay, but the real goal is to phish for information or money. The contact may come via a message, in social media or through a fake job ad.

The most common job scams

The scams are disguised as attractive job offers.

  • A task scam where the "work" is reviewing products or liking posts, and earning requires depositing your own money.
  • An advance-fee scam where you are asked to pay for training, equipment or registration.
  • Phishing that collects personal and bank details under the guise of a job application.
  • A fake recruiter posing in the name of a well-known company.

How to recognise a job scam

  • You are asked for money before the work begins or before you receive pay.
  • The pay is unrealistically high for very little work.
  • The company is vague and cannot be found in official registers.
  • Personal or bank details are requested already at the application stage.

How to protect yourself

An honest employer never charges a fee for offering a job.

  • Never pay to get a job.
  • Check the company’s details in official registers and on the company’s own pages.
  • Do not give out bank or personal details until the employment has been genuinely confirmed.
  • Be cautious if the contact came unexpectedly via a message or in social media.

What to do if you suspect or fall victim to a scam

  • Contact your bank immediately if you gave out your payment or bank details or lost money. Acting quickly may stop the payment.
  • File a police report at poliisi.fi if you have lost money.
  • Report suspicious messages, calls or websites to the National Cyber Security Centre Finland.
  • Victim Support Finland helps and advises victims at 116 006.