Safety

European Job Scams in 2026: How to Spot Fake Jobs and Visa Offers

How to recognise European job scams, from fake employers and false visa promises to forged offers that can lead to an entry ban.

EU Job Hub Editorial Team · Updated 1 October 2026

Introduction

European job scams target people who want to work abroad. Fraudsters use real company names, fake emails and false visa promises. The harm can be large. You can lose money, your documents and, in some cases, the right to enter the Schengen area. This guide explains the warning signs and what to do.

What EURES Warns About

EURES says that jobseekers may receive scam emails, false advice or offers for jobs that do not exist. Some scams appear on social media. Some videos seem to promote EURES but give false information, such as saying that EURES supplies visas. EURES does not issue visas. Visas come from national immigration authorities.

Check the Sender

EURES advises you to ask a few simple questions about any email:

• Do you know the sender, or did you start the contact?
• Does the email come from the official domain of the employer?
• If it claims to be from EURES, does it come from an official EURES address?

Fraudsters create addresses that look almost right. A single changed letter can fool you. Read each address carefully.

Research the Company

Look at the employer’s website. Also look at independent sources such as news and reviews. Search the company name with the words scam or fraud. Check the business register of the country where it says it is based. If you cannot find the company, do not go further.

Common Warning Signs

• A request for money to secure a job, visa or placement.
• A job offer that arrives without an application or interview.
• Pay that seems far above normal for the role.
• Pressure to decide fast or to keep the offer secret.
• Poor language or a generic email with no real details.
• A request for your passport or bank login.
• A promise that a visa is guaranteed.

Forged Offers Have Serious Consequences

The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration warns that it does not verify whether a job offer is genuine. Applicants are responsible for the documents they submit, even if an agent prepares them. It also says that submitting a forged job offer can lead to a five-year entry ban to the Schengen area. The authority notes that many employers named in fake offers have nothing to do with the scam. Always get confirmation directly from the employer before trusting an agent.

Fake Visa Offers

A visa is not sold by recruiters. You apply to the authority, and you pay the official fee to it. Be careful with anyone who promises approval. No one can guarantee it. Use only official government websites to check the steps and fees.

If You Receive a Suspicious Offer

1. Stop. Do not pay or send documents.
2. Check the sender’s address and the company.
3. Contact the employer through its official website.
4. If the offer used EURES, contact the EURES helpdesk.
5. Keep the messages as evidence.

If You Have Already Paid or Sent Documents

Act quickly. Contact your bank if you paid by card or transfer. Change passwords if you shared logins. If you sent a passport copy, tell your national passport authority. Report the case to the police in your country. If you are already abroad and in trouble, contact the police or your embassy.

A Short Checklist

• Never pay for a job or a visa.
• Verify the company and the email domain.
• Confirm the offer with the employer directly.
• Submit only genuine documents.

Protecting Your Personal Data

Scammers want your data as much as your money. Share only what is needed at each stage. A CV does not need your passport number or bank details. Send ID documents only after you have checked the employer and have a written offer. Use strong, different passwords for your email and job sites. Turn on two-step login where it is available.

Helping Others

If you find a scam, report it. Tell the platform where you saw it. If it used the EURES name, contact the EURES helpdesk. Warn friends and family who are also searching. Do not share your own documents to prove a point to a suspected scammer. Reports help authorities protect other jobseekers.

Questions to Ask Before You Say Yes

Ask the employer for the full company name, the address and the name of the person who will supervise you. Ask how the permit will be handled and who pays the fees. Ask to see the contract before you travel. A real employer will answer. A scammer will avoid the questions or push you to hurry.

Sources to Check

Use official platforms and national authorities to verify current rules before applying or travelling.

• EURES — How to spot fraudulent job offers and misinformation
• UDI Norway — Fraudulent work offers
• EURES — Find a job

Continue Your Europe Job Search

Find vacancies, compare countries and prepare a stronger European job application at EU Job Hub, browse current jobs, or build a Europass CV.

Disclaimer: EU Job Hub provides general editorial information for jobseekers. It does not guarantee employment, sponsorship, work-permit approval or visa approval. Employment and immigration rules vary by country and by personal circumstances. Verify important information with employers and official authorities before making decisions. Never pay an individual or recruiter solely because they promise a job, placement or visa.