High paying job lure scams are becoming more common across Asia. They usually begin with attractive job offers promising good income, comfortable living arrangements and fast career growth. In reality, some of these offers lead to exploitation, financial loss or danger.
This article explains what high paying job lure scams are, how they work, a real case example, how to stay safe, what to do if you get scammed, resources to seek help and how Scam.SG can support the public.
Definition of The Scam
A high paying job lure scam is a scam where victims are promised very well paid jobs, often overseas. The scammers use fake job advertisements, social media contacts or recruitment messages to persuade people to travel or pay fees.
Once victims arrive or make payment, they may find that:
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The job does not exist
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Working conditions are abusive
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They are abandoned without money or documents
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They are forced into illegal activities
The scam targets people who are looking for better income or new opportunities.
The Aspect We Are Focusing On: “Overseas High Paying Job Offers”
The key aspect here is overseas job offers that sound too good to be true. These often include:
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Very high salaries
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Minimal working hours
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Free accommodation and travel
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Quick hiring without interviews
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Vague job descriptions
Scammers rely on excitement, urgency and trust to encourage victims to ignore warning signs.
Real Life Case: Influencer Found Homeless in Cambodia
A recent news report highlighted a serious case involving a Chinese social media influencer who travelled to Cambodia after being promised a high paying job. After arriving, the situation was nothing like what she had been told. She later ended up homeless, injured and without support, and was eventually found wandering in distress before being hospitalised.
Family members lost contact with her for weeks, and her case drew attention to the risks of overseas recruitment scams. This case shows how convincing these scams can be and how severe the consequences may become.
(Source:https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/chinese-online-influencer-found-homeless-in-cambodia-after-high-paying-job-lure)
How To Stay Safe
You can reduce your risk by taking simple precautions.
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Research the company and recruiter thoroughly
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Be sceptical of job offers with very high pay and minimal requirements
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Avoid sharing passport images or personal data too early
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Confirm job details in writing
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Speak to family or friends before travelling
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Use official recruitment agencies whenever possible
If anything feels unclear or rushed, pause before making decisions.
What To Do If You Got Scammed
If you believe you have been scammed:
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Stop all communication with the scammer
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Keep screenshots and records of conversations
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Make a police report
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If overseas, seek help from your embassy or consulate
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Inform your bank if payments were made
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Submit a scam report through Scam.SG to alert others
Acting quickly can help limit further harm.
Resources To Seek Help
Depending on your situation, you may approach:
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Singapore Police Force
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Anti Scam Helpline
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Your bank or financial institution
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Your country’s embassy if abroad
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Social services and victim support organisations
Reading scam advisories is also helpful to recognise new patterns.
How Scam.SG Can Help
Scam.SG helps the public by providing a platform where people can search for businesses or recruiters and check whether they are likely to be scams. You can look up a name and view the insights and TrustScore available, which helps you make safer decisions before paying or travelling.
If you have experienced a scam, you can submit a scam report on Scam.SG. Reports help build community awareness. When similar scams are reported, Scam.SG may also publish articles to warn others. You can also read scam prevention content and check scam related news updates on Scam.SG to stay informed about common scam tactics.
Conclusion
High paying job lure scams often sound exciting at first but can lead to serious harm. By verifying offers, researching recruiters and using trusted resources such as Scam.SG, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones.
Stay smart, stay safe, stay vigilant with Scam.SG