Quick answer: A legitimate Canadian employer does not require you to pay for a job, deposit a cheque and return money, buy cryptocurrency, “boost” products for commission or send sensitive identity information before a real hiring process. Verify the company independently and stop when pressure or payment requests appear.
Common Canadian job scams
| Scam | How it works |
|---|---|
| Fake cheque | A cheque appears in your account; you send money before it is returned as fraudulent |
| Task or boosting job | You complete simple online tasks, see fake earnings and must deposit money to continue |
| Equipment purchase | A fake remote employer sends a cheque and directs you to a “vendor” |
| Identity theft | A recruiter collects SIN, passport and banking details before real hiring |
| LMIA/job-offer sale | Someone demands money and promises a job, work permit or guaranteed PR |
| Reshipping | You receive and forward goods purchased with stolen payment information |
Ten warning signs
- No real interview
- Immediate hiring for unusually high pay
- Communication only through a messaging app
- Free email address instead of a company domain
- Payment requested for the job
- Cheque sent for equipment
- Crypto or gift-card instructions
- Pressure to act immediately
- Job description copied from another company
- Request for SIN or banking passwords too early
How to verify a job
- Type the company website address yourself.
- Find the job on its official careers page.
- Call the publicly listed office number.
- Check whether the recruiter works for the company.
- Search the exact email, phone number and offer wording plus “scam.”
- Verify the business address.
- Do not trust caller ID or logos alone.
Fake cheque rule
A bank may make deposited funds available before discovering that a cheque is fake. When the cheque is reversed, you can be responsible for money you sent. Never forward part of a cheque, buy gift cards or purchase equipment from a recruiter-selected vendor.
Immigration and LMIA scams
No one can guarantee a work permit or permanent residence. Employers and representatives have legal obligations, and program rules change. Do not buy an LMIA job. Use our legitimate LMIA employer guide and verify immigration claims directly through IRCC. If someone claims an employer participates in AIP, verify it through our AIP designated employers list before sharing documents or money.
What to do if you paid or shared information
- Stop contact and preserve messages, receipts and account details.
- Contact the bank or payment provider immediately.
- Report to local police when appropriate.
- Report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
- Change exposed passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.
- Monitor bank and credit accounts.
- Follow Service Canada steps if your SIN was exposed.
Frequently asked questions
Is a WhatsApp interview always a scam?
No, but text-only hiring combined with high pay, urgency or payment requests is a serious warning. Verify through official company channels.
Can a real company name be used in a scam?
Yes. Fraudsters copy logos, employee names and job descriptions. Verify the sender, not only the brand.
Should I pay for a background check?
Some legitimate roles require screening, but first verify the employer and provider. Be suspicious when payment is the main focus or the link is unrelated to the company.
Official reporting
Report fraud or attempted fraud through the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you are in immediate danger or a crime is in progress, call 911.
Safer job-search resources
Use our Canadian job websites guide, Job Bank tutorial and job-offer checklist.
LMIA fees and document control
Two serious warning signs deserve separate checks: an employer or recruiter asking you to pay the employer’s LMIA or recruitment costs, and anyone trying to keep your passport or work permit. Preserve evidence and use official reporting channels when abuse is suspected.
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