5 Common Job Scams in Malaysia (And How to Spot Them)
Fake job offers can cost you time and money. Learn about the most common job scams in Malaysia and how to identify red flags before applying.
By Matt Khoo on 2025-02-19 at 7:18 AM
Updated on 2025-03-26 at 2:59 PM
Looking for a job in Malaysia? Be careful—job scams are more common than ever, targeting unsuspecting job seekers through fake job advertisements and misleading offers.
Scammers prey on individuals desperate for employment, often promising high salaries with minimal effort or "guaranteed" placements for a fee.
If you’re actively searching for a job vacancy in Malaysia, it’s crucial to recognize red flags before you fall victim. This guide will help you identify five common job scams and provide tips on how to protect yourself from fraudulent job postings.
🔗 Related Read: How to Apply for Jobs in Malaysia (And Actually Get Hired)
1. Fake Recruitment Agencies Asking for Payment
How the Scam Works:
Some scammers pose as recruitment agencies, promising instant job placements in exchange for an upfront payment or "processing fee." Once the money is paid, the recruiter disappears, leaving the victim without a job.
Red Flags to Watch For:
🚩 The recruiter demands a "registration fee" or asks for money to secure an interview.
🚩 They claim to have "exclusive" job listings not available elsewhere.
🚩 The company has no online presence or physical office location.
How to Protect Yourself:
✅ Legitimate recruitment agencies never charge job seekers for placement services.
✅ Research the agency—check reviews, website credibility, and social media presence.
✅ Only apply for jobs through verified job portals like Hiredly.
2. Work-From-Home Scams Promising Easy Money
How the Scam Works:
Scammers advertise "work-from-home" jobs that require little to no effort but promise high commissions. These scams often involve:
- "Pay first, earn later" schemes (e.g., buying a "starter kit" to begin).
- Fake companies asking job seekers to resell products with no actual earnings.
- Money laundering scams disguised as “easy online tasks.”
Red Flags to Watch For:
🚩 The job promises RM500-RM1,000 daily earnings with minimal work.
🚩 They ask you to transfer money or purchase items before starting.
🚩 The company has no office address, legitimate website, or verifiable employees.
How to Protect Yourself:
✅ If a job sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
✅ Avoid jobs that require any upfront payments.
✅ Only apply to legitimate remote jobs from trusted platforms like Hiredly.
🔗 Related Read: Remote Internships in Malaysia: How to Get One and Succeed
3. Fake Job Offers on WhatsApp or Social Media
How the Scam Works:
Scammers impersonate real companies and send unsolicited job offers via WhatsApp, Telegram, or Facebook. They often claim to be hiring managers or HR representatives, asking job seekers to submit personal details immediately.
Red Flags to Watch For:
🚩 You receive a random job offer without applying.
🚩 The recruiter asks for personal information (IC, bank details, passwords) upfront.
🚩 The company email address doesn’t match its official website.
How to Protect Yourself:
✅ Never accept a job offer from an unknown WhatsApp number or social media account.
✅ Always verify job listings by checking the official company website or LinkedIn page.
✅ Report suspicious messages to cybercrime authorities or Hiredly's scam alert team.
🔗 Related Read: Why Employers Love Internship Experience on Your Resume (And How to Maximize It)
4. Fake Job Advertisements on Unverified Websites
How the Scam Works:
Scammers create fake job advertisements on unreliable websites, mimicking real job postings. Applicants are asked to provide sensitive personal details or make payments to "confirm" their application.
Red Flags to Watch For:
🚩 The job listing has poor grammar, vague job descriptions, or unrealistic salary offers.
🚩 You’re asked to submit sensitive information like IC, passport number, or credit card details.
🚩 The company name doesn’t exist or has no official presence.
How to Protect Yourself:
✅ Apply for jobs through trusted job portals like Hiredly.
✅ Research the company before sending personal details.
✅ Avoid job listings that don’t mention company names or contact information.
5. Pyramid Schemes & MLM Jobs Disguised as Employment
How the Scam Works:
Some pyramid schemes pretend to be legitimate jobs, luring job seekers into multi-level marketing (MLM) roles that require them to recruit others. These roles often:
- Have no fixed salary, only commission-based earnings.
- Require employees to "invest" in products before earning money.
- Operate with hidden fees or misleading terms.
Red Flags to Watch For:
🚩 The company focuses on recruitment rather than selling actual products or services.
🚩 You need to "buy a starter pack" to begin working.
🚩 There is no clear job role, responsibilities, or reporting structure.
How to Protect Yourself:
✅ Avoid companies that prioritize recruitment over sales or services.
✅ Research if the company has MLM warnings from the Malaysian government.
✅ Stick to job portals with transparent employer verification like Hiredly.
🔗 Related Read: Internship vs. Full-Time Job: What’s the Right Choice for Your Career?
With job scams becoming increasingly sophisticated, job seekers in Malaysia need to stay vigilant and recognize red flags before applying. Always research job advertisements, verify companies, and avoid offers that seem too good to be true. To find legitimate job opportunities, explore verified job listings on Hiredly and join the Young Talent Community for career insights and networking opportunities. Want to find jobs that match your skills and personality? Take the Hiredly Work Personality Test and discover the best job opportunities for you today!
By Matt Khoo on 2025-02-19 at 7:18 AM
