Almost every "job abroad" scheme relies on one thing: taking money from you upfront — and disappearing. If you remember one rule, it will protect you from most scammers: honest people do not take money from the candidate for employment.
Typical schemes
- “Job fee” — asking to transfer money “for processing”, “for a slot” or “for documents” before you see the contract.
- Salary that is too good to be true — promising amounts significantly above the market rate, “no experience and no language skills required”.
- “Everything verbal” — no written contract, only promises in messenger apps.
- Passport “for safekeeping” — taking your documents “for processing”. This is done so that you cannot leave.
- Time pressure — “decide now, the position will be gone”, not allowing time to think or double-check.
The flojob.eu rule: we never charge candidates any money. If someone asks for money “for a job”, that is already a reason to stop.
What to do before agreeing
- Demand a written contract and read it — the terms must match what was promised.
- Find out who the employer actually is, and what the legal basis for work is (notification, oświadczenie, or work permit).
- Do not hand over original documents and do not transfer money in advance.
- Calculate the real relocation cost in advance — so that “unexpected expenses” do not become a lever of pressure.
If someone is already trying to scam you
Save all correspondence, contracts, and receipts — these are your evidence. Labor rights violations in Poland are handled by PIP (State Labour Inspection); if money is demanded from you or your documents were taken, contact the police (112). Also, complete a quick red-flags checklist to assess the risk objectively.
