Fake listings on Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree with photos stolen from real properties. The "landlord" claims to be overseas and asks for bond or first month's rent via bank transfer — before you've ever seen the place.
Red flags
Can't view the property in person — they're 'overseas'
Asks for payment via bank transfer or crypto before signing anything
Price is significantly below market rate for the area
Pressure to decide quickly — 'others are interested'
What to do
1Never pay bond without viewing the property in person — no exceptions.
2Use a licensed real estate agent. Find listings on realestate.com.au or domain.com.au.
3Check the agent's licence on Consumer Affairs Victoria (or your state's equivalent).
4Verify the property address on Google Maps — confirm it exists and matches photos.
Fake job ads offering high pay for easy work — data entry, product testing, social media "liking." They ask you to pay for "training materials" or a "starter kit." Sometimes they ask you to receive money and forward it on, which makes you a money mule.
Red flags
Pay seems too high for unskilled or low-effort work
Requires an upfront payment before you can start
Asks you to receive money into your account and forward it on
No office, no ABN, communication only via WhatsApp or Telegram
What to do
1Real employers never ask you to pay money to start working. If they do, walk away.
2If asked to receive money into your account and forward it — that is money laundering. You could be criminally prosecuted, regardless of whether you knew it was a scam.
Fake migration agents
People posing as registered migration agents, charging $200–$2,000 to "help" with visa applications, TFN, or Medicare. Some operate in student communities via Facebook or WhatsApp groups, often presenting themselves as trusted insiders.
Red flags
Not registered on the MARA register — always check mara.gov.au
Operates via social media only, no formal office or email address
Guarantees a specific visa outcome — no one can legally do this
Charges for free government services (TFN application through the ATO is always free)
What to do
1Always check the MARA register at mara.gov.au before paying anyone for migration advice.
2Your TFN application through the ATO is completely free. Never pay anyone to apply for it.
Fake accommodation agents and bond scams
Someone poses as a property manager, takes your bond and first month's rent, then disappears. This is common in Facebook groups advertising "rooms available." The property may be real — they've just found it on a listing and are impersonating the actual owner.
Red flags
Only communicates via WhatsApp — no formal email or phone number
No formal lease agreement before payment
Bond is paid directly to an individual, not lodged with a real estate agent or bond authority
Unable or unwilling to meet in person or on a video call
What to do
1In Australia, residential bond must be lodged with the state bond authority — not kept by an individual or agent. In VIC it's RTBA, in NSW it's NSW Fair Trading. Always ask for a bond lodgement receipt.
2Always get a formal written lease agreement before paying anything.