Almost every “job abroad” scam relies on one thing: taking your money upfront and disappearing. One rule alone protects you from most scammers: honest people don't charge candidates for job placement.
Typical schemes
- “Pay for the job” — they ask you to transfer money “for paperwork,” “for the slot,” or “for documents” before you've even seen a contract.
- A salary too good to be true — they promise amounts noticeably above market, “no experience or language needed.”
- “It's all verbal” — no written contract at all, just promises in a messaging app.
- Your passport “for safekeeping” — they take your documents “to process paperwork.” This is done so you can't leave.
- Time pressure — “decide now or the spot's gone,” giving you no time to think or check anything.
The flojob.eu rule: we never take money from candidates. If anyone asks you for money “for the job,” that alone is reason to stop.
What to do before you agree
- Demand a written contract and read it — the terms must match what was promised.
- Дізнайтесь, хто саме роботодавець, і що це за підстава для роботи (повідомлення, oświadczenie чи дозвіл).
- Never hand over the originals of your documents, and never wire money in advance.
- Work out the real cost of relocating ahead of time, so “unexpected expenses” can't be used as leverage.
If someone is already trying to scam you
Keep every message, contract and receipt — they're evidence. Labor-rights violations in Poland are handled by PIP (the State Labor Inspectorate); if someone demands money from you or has taken your documents, that's a police matter (112). Also run through the short red-flags checklist to assess the risk clearly.
