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Job Scams

Find out how scammers exploit job seekers with too-good-to-be-true offers, recognise the warning signs, and keep yourself safe during your job search.

Last updated on 26 May 2026

Key takeaways 

  1. Be wary of any online job that promises commissions by performing simple tasks from home.

  2. It is likely a scam if the job requires you to transfer money or make any advance payments.

In 2025, scam victims in Singapore lost at least S$123.5 million in job scams.

Annual Scams and Cybercrime Brief 2025

How it works?

  1. The job offer
    Job scams typically involve victims being offered online jobs that could be performed from home. They would be asked to perform tasks for a commission, such as:

    • making advance purchases

    • liking social media posts,

    • reviewing hotels/restaurants/airlines,

    • completing surveys,

    • “boosting” value of cryptocurrencies,

    • “boosting” ratings of product listings for online merchants,

    • “rating” mobile apps to improve their rankings on app stores.

  2. Transfer of funds for commissions
    Another “job” offered to victims entails transfer of funds to bank accounts provided by the scammers, for a small commission. The scammers would subsequently request higher amount of funds to be transferred, for purportedly higher earnings.

  3. Fail to receive commissions
    The victims would eventually realise that they had been scammed when they failed to receive their commission, when they were unable to withdraw the monies from the bank accounts, or when the scammers could no longer be contacted.

It is likely a scam if the job requires you to:

  • Pay upfront before starting the job.​

  • Use your own money to complete tasks as part of the job. ​

  • Use your personal bank account as part of the job. ​

  • Disclose your Singpass credentials and password or provided with a Singpass QR code for scanning to access your Singpass account in order to apply for a job. ​

Examples of this scam type

Chat explaining task-based job requiring upfront payment to earn commissions, indicating scam.

How to stay safe?

ADD:

  • Privacy settings to your messaging app to avoid being added into unknown chatgroups.​

  • Add the ScamShield App to protect yourself from scam calls and SMSes. ​

  • Set security features (e.g. set up transaction limits for internet banking transactions, enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), Multifactor Authentication for banks and e-wallets).

CHECK:

  • Authenticity of job offers by directly contacting the company.

  • With someone you trust about the offer.

  • Call the ScamShield helpline (1799) to check if you are unsure.​

TELL:

  • Warn friends and families about this scam encounter. ​

  • Report and block suspected scam accounts/chat groups.​

  • Call your bank immediately and make a police report if you think you have fallen victim.

Encountered this scam? Here’s what to do

If you have transferred money to a scammer, please visit this page for a list of immediate actions: I've Been Scammed!

Help keep the community safe by reporting any instances of this scam you’ve seen or experienced with the ScamShield App.

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