You recognise a fake job ad by a job offer you didn't ask for, a conversation that moves to WhatsApp, a promise of a lot of money for little work without training, and a request to transfer money first [1][2]. Don't pay for work for which you should be the one being paid [1]. If you've already shared data or paid, contact the Fraud Helpdesk; if you sent a copy of your identity document, also report that to the Central Reporting Point for Identity Fraud [1].
How does job-ad fraud work?
The Fraud Helpdesk describes a common pattern: fraudsters call or message with a job offer, often for working from home, such as writing reviews or trading crypto. They pose as a temp agency, as Indeed or as a company's HR department. If you want more information, you have to add the number to your contacts and continue on WhatsApp. To carry out tasks you first have to deposit an amount, which you're supposedly to get back with profit. At first something is sometimes really paid out, but then you hear that you've done too few tasks and have to pay extra to avoid a penalty. In the end you pay but get nothing back [1][2].
What are the warning signs?
- You receive a job offer you didn't ask for [2]
- The work can be done from home, takes little time and earns a lot of money, without any training being needed [2]
- You have to save an unknown number and continue on WhatsApp [2]
- You have to transfer money first, or pay extra later to avoid a penalty or to get a balance paid out [1][2]
- You're asked to send a copy of your identity document [1]
What's normal with a real employer?
- According to the Dutch data protection authority, an employer may not ask for a copy, scan or photo of your identity document in the application stage, nor for your citizen service number; it may, however, ask to see your original document to check your identity [3]. That's only allowed once you start working there.
- An employer must give you certain details in writing within one week of starting, such as the salary, the hours and the job [4].
- You don't pay to be allowed to work; the employer pays you wages.
How do you check a company?
All companies and organisations in the Netherlands are in the KVK Trade Register, and basic information such as the KVK number and trade name can be looked up for free [5]. Finding a company doesn't prove the vacancy is real: fraudsters also pose as existing companies [2]. So make contact yourself via a phone number or website that you know, not via the details in the message.
What do you do if you've been caught out?
- Stop the contact and pay nothing more
- Have you paid or passed on personal data? Contact the Fraud Helpdesk for personal advice [1]
- Did you send a copy of your identity document? Also report this to the Central Reporting Point for Identity Fraud [1]
- Report the attempt to the Fraud Helpdesk so that others can be warned [1]
More on vacancies that don't add up
Not every disappointing vacancy is fraud. For vacancies where the salary, tasks or contract don't add up, see our article on red flags in a job offer.
Sources
- Fraudehelpdesk: Ik heb gereageerd op een vacature, accessed 11 October 2026.
- Fraudehelpdesk: Gereageerd op vacature: waarom moet ik voorschot betalen? (waarschuwing werkaanbod via telefoon en WhatsApp), accessed 11 October 2026.
- Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens (2025): Personal data of applicants, accessed 11 October 2026.
- Rijksoverheid: Wat staat er in een arbeidsovereenkomst?, accessed 11 October 2026.
- KVK (2026): Verklein je risico: check het uittreksel Handelsregister, accessed 11 October 2026.
