🇨🇦 Fake Job Offer Visa Sponsorship Scam
⚡ Quick Answer
Scammers post fake Canadian job offers on LinkedIn and WhatsApp groups targeting Pakistani and Indian job seekers, offering work permit sponsorship for upfront fees of $500-$5,000 CAD. No legitimate Canadian employer charges fees for sponsorship.
Scam alert for immigrants in Canada.
How this scam works
Scammers post fake Canadian job offers on LinkedIn and WhatsApp groups targeting Pakistani and Indian job seekers, offering work permit sponsorship for upfront fees of $500-$5,000 CAD. No legitimate Canadian employer charges fees for sponsorship.
Red flags
- Asks for money before you start working
- Job offer sent via WhatsApp or personal email
- No verifiable company website
- Salary seems too high for the role
How to protect yourself
Verify the employer at canada.ca/employers-of-foreign-workers. Never pay any fee to an employer for a job offer or work permit.
What to do if targeted
- - Stop communication and do not send more money or documents
- - Save messages, receipts, contracts, profile links, and phone numbers
- - Contact your bank or payment provider if money was sent
- - Report through official fraud, police, or immigration channels
Prevention tips
- - Only pay government fees through official portals
- - Do not trust guaranteed visa approvals or secret appointment slots
- - Verify employer, school, agent, or landlord identities independently
- - Avoid personal-account transfers and pressure tactics
Emergency & Reporting Contacts
If there is immediate danger, contact local emergency services. If money was sent, contact your bank/payment provider and official fraud reporting channels.
Sources & References
- MigrantIQ scam alert record
Published 2026-05-06.
- Canada official reporting channels
Use official reporting channels if you were targeted or lost money.
Who is targeted
Feedback
Was this guide helpful?
Your answer helps us improve guides and update priority.
Scam safety FAQ
Legitimate government fees are paid through official channels with receipts. Never wire cash to personal accounts for a “guaranteed” outcome.
Collect evidence (messages, contracts), then report through your destination country’s fraud or immigration reporting channels and warn your community.