Commission-Only Bait Job Scam

Commission-only bait job scams advertise positions with an apparent salary or hourly wage. After the candidate applies, is interviewed, accepts an offer, and resigns from their existing role, they discover that the compensation is entirely commission-based — meaning income is only earned if sales targets are met, and the targets are typically unachievable.

Some variants do not involve a scam in the traditional sense of financial theft. Instead, the harm is the candidate's loss of their previous employment, the time invested in a role that generates no income, and in some cases the purchase of training materials or starter kits required to begin.

At their most exploitative, these operations pressure workers to recruit others and function similarly to multi-level marketing schemes, with income dependent on building a downline rather than direct sales.

The advertisement on a job board or social media describes the role as a paid position with a base salary, performance bonuses, or a listed hourly rate. During the interview, the role is described enthusiastically with income examples from top performers.

The employment contract, when examined closely, describes a commission-only structure in fine print. New hires may be required to purchase a starter kit, training materials, or a mandatory introductory course. After joining, employees discover that the products are difficult or impossible to sell at the described margins, and that income from the role effectively does not exist.

Some operations turn over employees rapidly, profiting from starter kit sales and replacement hiring rather than from the products ostensibly being sold.

The advertisement legitimately appears on trusted job boards. The interview is encouraging and the income potential seems genuine. By the time the true terms are apparent, many candidates have already made decisions based on the expected income — including resigning from previous employment. The sunk cost of the application process creates pressure to proceed rather than withdraw.

We are hiring motivated individuals for a sales consultant role. Base salary [amount] plus commission. OTE [much larger amount].

Congratulations! We would like to offer you the position. The base is [amount] uncapped and you can expect to earn [higher amount] in your first year.

To begin your onboarding, please purchase the starter kit for [amount]. This covers all the tools you need to start earning immediately.

Your first few weeks will be training only — no earnings during this period, but you will be fully equipped to hit targets from week five.

Ask explicitly: 'Is there a guaranteed base salary, and what is it?' before the interview proceeds. Request the full written employment contract before accepting any verbal offer. Search the company name alongside 'commission only', 'MLM', and 'review' before attending any interview. Legitimate employers will provide clear, written compensation terms without pressure to decide immediately.