Fake Game Tester Paid Job Scam via Wire Transfer
Fake game tester job scammers ask new hires to wire an upfront 'equipment' or 'software license' fee before any real testing work or pay begins, relying on the irreversibility of wire transfers.
Part of: Fake Game Tester Paid Job Scam
Last reviewed: 5 July 2026
Because some legitimate remote job offers do involve purchasing specific software or hardware, a wire transfer request for tester 'equipment' doesn't automatically seem unreasonable to someone unfamiliar with how real playtesting positions are actually structured, which is exactly what fake game tester scammers count on.
How this scam works on Wire Transfer
After an applicant is 'hired' as a tester, they're instructed to wire a fee covering a required software license, specialized testing equipment, or a security deposit for provided hardware, framed as fully refundable once a probationary period is completed. Because wire transfers clear quickly and offer no dispute mechanism, once the fee is sent the scammer either stops responding entirely or strings the applicant along with fake assignments and delayed 'processing' excuses for why the promised pay and refund haven't arrived yet.
Some versions layer in a fake payroll setup step, requesting banking details to establish direct deposit for tester wages, which is then used to attempt unauthorized withdrawals or sold as part of a broader identity theft operation rather than ever resulting in a real paycheck.
Common red flags
- A new tester job requires wiring a fee for equipment, software, or a security deposit before pay begins
- The fee is framed as 'fully refundable' after a probationary period with no written contract to back that claim
- No willingness to accept a dispute-friendly payment method for the fee instead of a wire
- Banking details are requested for payroll setup before any real work or paycheck has occurred
- The employer has no verifiable studio website, prior releases, or public reputation
- Delayed or shifting excuses when you ask about the promised refund or first paycheck
How to protect yourself
- Never wire money to a new employer for equipment, software, or a security deposit — legitimate employers cover these costs
- Verify the studio's legitimacy through an independent web search and public reputation check before proceeding
- Request a written contract detailing compensation, refund terms, and work expectations before paying anything
- Be wary of providing banking details for payroll before any real assignment or paycheck has occurred
- Use a dispute-friendly payment method if any legitimate cost genuinely must be covered by you
- Walk away if wage or refund excuses keep shifting after a fee has been paid
How to report it
- Contact your bank immediately to attempt a wire recall, though success is unlikely after clearing
- Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- File a complaint with the FBI's IC3 at ic3.gov, which handles wire fraud complaints
- Report to the platform where the job was posted, such as Discord or a job board
Frequently asked questions
Do legitimate game testing jobs ever require an equipment fee?
No. Legitimate paid testing positions provide any necessary access or equipment without charging the applicant upfront — a fee request is a strong scam indicator regardless of how it's framed.
Can I recover a wire transfer sent for a fake tester job fee?
It's unlikely once the wire clears, typically within one to two business days, which is why reporting quickly to your bank and relevant authorities is important even though recovery isn't guaranteed.