What are Job Scams?
A job/employment scam takes advantage of people who are actively seeking work.
Individuals are offered a job without an in-person or video interview with the supposed employer.
The target is then asked to receive money into their bank account from an unknown or compromised source, withdraw the cash, and use it to purchase Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency.
The cryptocurrency is then sent to the scammer’s wallet address.
Demographic of targets: The elderly, recent immigrants, students, and young people unfamiliar with employment or banking laws.
How Job Scams Operate (Polish Context):
The scammer contacts a job seeker through email, messaging apps, or phone calls, claiming to represent a legitimate business or recruitment agency.
They offer the target an easy, high-paying remote or “assistant” position that requires little to no experience.
If the target believes the job offer is genuine, they will follow the scammer’s instructions.
The scam usually involves the following steps:
The scammer transfers money to the target’s bank account from a compromised or stolen account. This can happen via bank transfer, BLIK, or fake payroll payments.
The target is told to withdraw the cash, keeping a small portion as their “commission.”
They are then instructed to purchase Bitcoin at a Bitcoin ATM or online exchange and send it to the scammer’s wallet address.
When the real account owner reports the theft, the bank reverses the fraudulent transaction.
Since the victim already withdrew and sent the funds, they are left financially responsible for the full amount.
Prevention: Stay Alert
The majority of legitimate jobs require an interview—either in person or via video call.
Always be skeptical of offers that come out of nowhere, especially those that promise quick pay or minimal effort.
Be particularly cautious of remote jobs or offers that require you to handle money or cryptocurrency on behalf of the company.
Never accept money transfers from someone you do not personally know.
If a job involves using your personal bank account for business transactions, it is almost certainly a scam.
If a job sounds too easy or too profitable to be true, it probably is.
Maintaining a healthy dose of skepticism is key.
Red Flags
Job offers without an interview or formal process should be considered a red flag.
Always confirm that the person contacting you and the company they claim to represent are legitimate.Unrealistically high salaries or bonuses for simple roles are clear indicators of a scam.
Do your own research to understand typical pay for the role in Poland.Check the company address: Use Google Maps or KRS / CEIDG to confirm the company exists and operates from the listed location.
If the address is a private residence or doesn’t match the company’s description, it’s likely fake.Be cautious of roles involving “testing” Bitcoin ATMs or handling cryptocurrency transactions.
If you are asked to perform “quality assurance” by sending or receiving funds, it is a scam.
If You Are a Victim of a Scam:
See our guide on what to do if you are the victim of a scam / fraud.
Sample Job Scam
**Hello ******** ***,
My name is Marek Lisowski.
I am a Senior Human Resources Manager at ConstructConnect Polska Sp. z o.o.I came across your CV on an online job platform (e.g., Pracuj.pl or OLX) and wanted to reach out to see if you or someone you know might be interested in a remote contract opportunity.
We are looking for a Commercial Account Assistant.
What ConstructConnect Polska can offer you:
• Flexible hours / Remote work environment
• Paid training
• Competitive salary
• Work-from-home equipment
• Full-time salary: 5,000 PLN / month
• Part-time salary: 2,500 PLN / monthRequirements:
• Resident of Poland
• Organizational and communication skills
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Customer service skillsIf you’re motivated and ready to begin, please reply to this email and we will start the employment process.
If you are not interested, please let us know so we don’t contact you again.
Regards,
Marek Lisowski
Senior Human Resources Manager
ConstructConnect Polska Sp. z o.o.
ul. Marszałkowska 45, Warszawa
Tel: +48 22 123 4567