If you think you would spot a job scam by now, think again. Scammers have levelled up and they are now exploiting tools we trust every day, including Google Business Profiles, legitimate looking phone numbers, and the names of real recruitment agencies.
We are seeing it more often and it’s a huge concern.
The New Trick: Hijacking Google Business Profiles
Scammers have realised that people trust Google. They know that if a phone number appears in a business listing with reviews, opening hours, and directions, most candidates will not question it.
Here is what they are doing:
- Suggesting edits on Google Business Profiles (anyone can do this if the listing is not tightly managed)
- Replacing the agency’s legitimate phone number with their own scam number
- Waiting for candidates to call
- Posing as Australian recruiters
- Slowly extracting money or ID documents
The worst part is that Google often auto approves these edits without the business noticing, which means the fake number becomes “verified” until someone flags it.
Real Life Example
A candidate overseas recently called what they believed was a well known Australian agency. The “recruiter” on the line:
- Used perfect English
- Referenced real companies in Perth
- Claimed they had a job ready
- Then began asking for visa processing fees, medical clearance payments, or transfer fees
Classic scam but now wearing the clothes of a real, established Australian brand.
Every Candidate Needs to Know
No Australian recruitment agency can legally ask you for money. Ever.
Not for visas.
Not for documentation.
Not for placement.
Not for admin fees.
Not for training.
If someone claims to be an Australian recruiter and asks you for payment, it is a scam, 100 percent of the time.
Why these scams are convincing
Scammers today are:
- Using VoIP numbers with an 08 (WA) or 02 (NSW) prefix
- Mimicking the tone and structure of real recruitment calls
- Copying job descriptions from Seek and LinkedIn
- Using profile pictures stolen from real recruiters
- Creating fake ABNs and websites
- Operating in teams (not lone amateurs)
- Running professional sounding WhatsApp and Telegram channels
- Targeting candidates in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and parts of Africa
They are patient, rehearsed, and organised.
How Candidates Can Protect Themselves
1. Never trust a phone number from Google alone
Always cross check the agency’s number on:
- Their actual website
- Their LinkedIn page
- Seek or Indeed company page
If the number is different, assume scam.
2. Hang up immediately if someone asks for money
It does not matter how nice or professional they sound.
3. Use email, not messaging apps, for first contact
Legitimate recruiters do not open with WhatsApp.
4. If something feels off, check the ABN
A two minute ABN lookup can stop a two thousand dollar scam.
5. Report fake Google Business edits
Businesses can reclaim their listings, but only if they know something has been changed.
What Recruitment Agencies Must Do
This problem is not going away and recruitment companies have a responsibility to help where they can. Here are some suggestions:
- Set up alerts for suggested edits
- Educate international candidates on payment related scams
- Publish official contact details clearly on all digital platforms
- Add “we will never ask you for money” disclaimers on job ads
- Train teams on how to recognise manipulated inbound calls
Your brand is only as strong as your weakest digital entry point and right now, Google Business Profiles are a major weak spot.