Beware of scam job offers!

The University of Geneva Career Centre reviews every job offer before it is published, but cannot guarantee the reliability of employers. We therefore encourage candidates to exercise caution and ask any necessary questions before submitting their application.

Do you have any doubts about a job offer? Contact us immediately at carriere@unige.ch or call +41223797702.

  • We can analyse a suspicious offer and help you identify any potential fraud.
  • We can report fraudulent advertisements to the relevant authorities.
  • You can use the official form to report fraud to the authorities.

How to spot and avoid job scams?

Job scams are common, even on trusted national and international platforms. To stay safe, follow these tips:

  1. Trust your judgement
    If an offer seems too good to be true, take a step back before acting. A legitimate opportunity is rarely urgent or lacks clear requirements.
  2. Research the employer
    Visit their official website. Look for reviews and testimonials online. Ensure the job advertisement contains specific details about the role and the employer.
  3. Ask yourself the right questions
    Before applying, ask yourself: Is the job advertisement clear and detailed? Can the employer be easily verified online? Is the employer asking for sensitive information or a payment?
  4. Beware of urgent requests
    Fraudsters often try to put you under pressure so that you react without thinking. Do not download unknown apps. Do not buy equipment to start a job. Do not share personal information without thorough verification.
  5. Never share financial information
    A legitimate employer will never ask for your bank or credit card details. If they do, it’s a scam. If in doubt, contact us! We’re here to help you spot scams.

What are the signs of a job scam?

If an employer offers you a job without having looked at your CV or interviewed you, exercise caution. It may seem flattering, but it is often a scam.

A legitimate employer does not conduct interviews via private messaging apps (WhatsApp, Messenger, etc.). It is possible to make initial contact via LinkedIn, but a proper interview usually takes place:

  • In person,
  • Via video conference (Teams, Zoom),
  • Over the phone.

A legitimate employer will never ask you to pay anything to start a job. If you are asked to pay for any of the following reasons, it is a scam:

  • ‘Compulsory’ training that guarantees employment.
  • Administrative fees (application processing, job application).
  • A background check that you have to pay for.
  • The purchase of work equipment.

Watch out for offers that sound too good to be true, especially those that claim:

  • A high salary for work that requires little effort or no experience.
  • Quick money without any specific skills.

If it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.

Ask yourself the right questions:

  • Does the job advertisement lack specific details?
  • Are the required experience and skills not mentioned?
  • Does the advertisement provide official contact details (telephone number, email address, website)?

A reliable job advertisement always specifies:

  • The required skills and qualifications.
  • The necessary experience.
  • A clear and official means of contact.

Before applying, look up the company online:

  • Is its official website easily accessible?
  • If it’s a small business without a website, is it officially registered?
  • Are there any reviews or articles about it?

Tip: Type the company’s name followed by the word ‘scam’ or ‘fraud’ to see if there are any reports. If the only trace of the company is the advert itself, be wary.

Can the UNIGE Career Centre be held liable for fraudulent advertisements published on the platform?

The University of Geneva Career Centre acts as an intermediary and cannot guarantee the accuracy of the offers published. In accordance with the General Terms and Conditions of Use (GTC):

  • Article 5.5: The Career Centre acts solely as a facilitator and therefore cannot be held liable for any relationships established between users (employment relationships, etc.) via the Platform.
  • Article 5.6: The Career Centre does not guarantee the accuracy of the information provided on the Platform. Users remain solely responsible for the information and omissions concerning them on the Platform, as well as for the visibility of their profile, which may be modified at any time by the user.

View the full Terms and Conditions here.

Useful links

Report fraud to the authorities
UNIGE Cybersecurity Team