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How to spot a job scam

Every employer on Universal Hiring is approved by our team, but scams exist across the internet. Here are the warning signs.

Universal Hiring Careers Team · Aug 31, 2026 · 4 min read

Every employer that posts on Universal Hiring is reviewed and approved by our team. Still, scams are common elsewhere online, so it's worth knowing the signs.

Warning signs

  • You're offered a job without an interview
  • You're asked to pay for training, equipment or a background check up front
  • You're sent a cheque and asked to send part of the money back
  • The "employer" only communicates by text or through personal email addresses
  • The pay is far higher than similar jobs

Protect your information

Don't share your SIN, banking details or copies of ID until you've accepted a real offer and are filling out onboarding paperwork with a verified employer.

Report it

If something looks wrong on Universal Hiring, use the Contact page and choose "Report a job". We review every report.

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