What can I do legally if I paid money in response to a fake job offer?
Fake job scams that require upfront payments for training, equipment, or DBS checks are fraud — you can pursue chargeback or APP fraud recovery through your bank and should report to the appropriate fraud and employment authorities.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Advance fee job scams ask applicants to pay for background checks, training materials, work equipment, visas, or 'starter kits' before they can begin a role that does not exist. These scams exploit people who are unemployed, underemployed, or urgently seeking work — making them a particularly harmful form of fraud.
Legitimate employers do not require applicants to pay for their own recruitment, training, or equipment before starting work. Any job offer requiring an upfront payment before employment begins is a red flag that warrants serious scrutiny.
For recovery, the same bank recourse options apply: if you paid by credit card, chargeback or Section 75 (UK) may be available. If by bank transfer, APP fraud reimbursement rules apply. Report to your national fraud authority for a crime reference number, and report to the job platform or site where the listing appeared so it can be removed.
This is general information. Your specific options depend on how you paid, whether the 'employer' was identifiable, and your jurisdiction.
Common red flags
- You were asked to pay for a DBS check, training kit, or uniform before starting
- The job required no experience but offered unusually high pay
- Communication was through a personal email or messaging app rather than a company address
- The offer arrived unsolicited after you uploaded a CV to a job site
- The 'company' address or registration cannot be verified on official registers
What to do now
- Stop all further payments immediately
- Report to your bank and request recovery under APP fraud or chargeback rules
- Report to Action Fraud (UK), the FTC (US), or your national fraud authority
- Report to the job platform where the advert appeared so it can be removed
- Report to ACAS (UK) or your equivalent employment authority if the fake company is named
- Warn others by leaving a review on job-search feedback platforms
Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal for an employer to charge for DBS checks or training?
While there is no universal law banning employers from passing on DBS costs in all circumstances, requiring a payment before any employment begins — with no guarantee of a job — is a hallmark of fraud. Legitimate employment offers a contract before any financial commitment is required of the employee.
What if I also gave the fake employer my bank details for 'salary payments'?
If you shared your bank account details, contact your bank immediately to discuss whether your account needs additional security measures. Sharing bank details does not automatically give someone access to your funds, but if you shared further information (sort code, account number, and authentication details) additional steps may be needed.