Fake job offers and fake “visa agents” target young Africans every day. Learn the warning signs so you never lose money or your documents.
The golden rule
Real employers and real scholarships do not ask you to pay for a job offer, a contract, an invitation letter or a “guaranteed visa”. Government visa fees are paid directly to the embassy or its official visa centre, never to a private person.
8 red flags
- They ask for money for “processing”, “registration”, “training”, accommodation or a work permit.
- The job is too good to be true: a high salary with no experience, no interview and no language requirement.
- They contact you only by WhatsApp or Telegram and avoid video calls or official email.
- They use free email addresses (gmail.com, yahoo.com) instead of the company’s own domain.
- They rush you: “Pay today or lose your place.”
- They ask for your original passport or to send scans to an unknown person.
- The company can’t be found on an official business register or has no real website.
- They “guarantee” a visa. Only the embassy decides visas. Nobody else can guarantee one.
How to check an offer
- Find the employer’s official website yourself (don’t use the link they sent) and check that the job is listed there.
- Check visa rules on the official government website of the country, or the embassy’s website.
- Search the company name plus “scam” or “fraud” online.
- Ask for a video interview with someone from the company.
- Talk to someone you trust before you send money or documents.
Already paid a scammer?
Stop all payments and contact your bank or mobile money provider immediately. Keep screenshots of every message and receipt, and report it to your local police. If your passport details were shared, inform your passport office.
EuroPath Jobs never charges job seekers, never sells visas and never contacts you asking for payment. If someone uses our name to ask you for money, it is a scam. Please tell us.