Pay-to-Work Scams — SafeHaven Solution

Scam Types

Training & Equipment Fee Scams

In pay-to-work scams, fraudsters advertise jobs that require an up-front payment for “training”, “software”, “equipment”, or “processing” before the candidate can start. After payment, the job never materialises or the scammer keeps asking for additional fees.

How this scam typically works

Victim applies to a role advertised online or is contacted directly by a “recruiter”.
The organisation asks for payment (training, admin, kit, background checks) before employment.
After payment, the communication fades or new reasons for further payments appear.
Fraudsters often pressure victims to pay quickly using bank transfer, crypto, or gift cards.

Common red flags

Any employer that asks for money before you start — training, equipment, or registration fees.
Unclear job descriptions, no formal interview, or no company website / verifiable registration.
Requests to pay by cryptocurrency, gift cards or private transfer services.
Pressure to act immediately or “secure your place” with payment.
Emails from generic providers (Gmail, Hotmail) instead of corporate addresses.

What you should do right now

Stop further contact with the seller/recruiter and avoid sending more money.
Save all messages, receipts, bank transfer references, and any screenshots.
Contact your bank or payment provider immediately and tell them you suspect fraud.
Report the incident to your local police and to national fraud reporting or cybercrime authorities.
Contact SafeHaven Solution for guidance and assistance with next steps.

Need help? If you have been asked to pay for a job, contact us — we can assess your case and advise on potential recovery steps and reporting options.

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Why pay-to-work scams are particularly harmful

These scams combine financial loss with identity risk. Scammers may collect personal documents (IDs, photos, bank details) under the pretext of “verification”, which can lead to identity theft. Because scammers often operate internationally, recovering money can be difficult without early action.

Quick tips

Never pay to apply for a job.
Verify company registration and LinkedIn profile.
Ask for a formal contract and official HR contact.

Have you fallen victim to a scam and lost money?

Training & Equipment Fee Scams

How this scam typically works

Common red flags

What you should do right now

Why pay-to-work scams are particularly harmful

Quick tips

SafeHaven Solution

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