Can a recruiter ask me to pay before starting work?
No. Legitimate recruiters and employers never require you to pay fees, deposits, or 'equipment' costs to get hired.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Any request to pay before starting work — for training, equipment, background checks, or 'onboarding' — is a scam signal. Real employers cover these costs and pay you. Fee-based job scams take your money for a job that doesn't exist, while task scams require deposits to 'unlock' fake earnings.
Common red flags
- Upfront fees, deposits, or equipment costs to start
- Pay-to-withdraw 'earnings'
- Pressure to pay quickly to secure the role
- Unverifiable employer
What to do now
- Don't pay anything to get a job
- Verify the employer through official channels
- Report the listing; contact your bank if you paid
Frequently asked questions
What about paying for my own certification?
Choosing to get a qualification is different from an employer requiring you to pay them to start a specific job. Mandatory upfront payments to a 'hirer' are a scam.