Job Offer 'Pay for Onboarding' Chat Scam Examples
After a quick online interview, scammers send a convincing offer letter and then ask new 'hires' to pay upfront for background checks, training materials, or software licences before work can begin — then vanish.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
Congratulations! We are pleased to offer you the position of [role] at [company]. Before your start date we require a background screening fee of [amount] via [payment method]. This is reimbursed in your first paycheck.
Your offer is confirmed! To proceed with onboarding, please purchase the required software licence at [amount] using the link below and submit your receipt to HR. The cost will be refunded within 30 days.
Welcome to the team! As part of our security compliance, all new remote staff must complete a DBS/background check through our approved provider. The cost is [amount] payable by [method]. HR will reimburse you on day one.
What the scammer wants
To collect one or more upfront payments from job seekers who believe they have secured employment, then cease contact before any 'reimbursement' is due.
Red flags in the message
- A job offer that arrived with little or no interview process
- Request to pay any fee before starting work, even with a promise of reimbursement
- Payment requested by bank transfer, gift card, Zelle, or cryptocurrency
- Company email address that does not match the employer's official domain
- Job with unusually high pay for unspecified remote tasks
A safe response
Legitimate employers never ask new hires to pay for onboarding, background checks, or equipment upfront. Verify the company's registered address and contact HR via a number from the official website before proceeding.
What not to send
- Any payment for background checks, training, or equipment
- Gift card codes
- Bank account details before your first payslip
What to do if you already replied
- Report to your bank and attempt to recall the payment
- Report to Action Fraud, the FTC, or your national consumer-protection authority
- Report the job listing to the platform where you found it
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot the full message or call details
- Note the sender number, email, or profile
- Save any links (without clicking) and payment details
- Record dates and times