A seasonal scam is back this summer.
Overseas visitors on working holidays and Australians who are travelling on a 'gap year' are the target of fake offers of employment at farms and wineries.
These fake offers of employment are often posted online using classified websites like Gumtree.
Backpackers are providing upfront accommodation costs via bank deposits, only to discover there was no job and no accommodation. In some cases personal information is compromised by providing the scammers with details such as a scan of their passport.
WA ScamNet provide the following tips to travellers seeking employment
Before responding to a job vacancy advertisement carry out some independent research into the employment agent or venue.
Know that in WA employment agents must be licensed and are not permitted to charge fees to prospective employees.
Apply a healthy amount of suspicion when responding to job advertisements on Gumtree.
Report anyone who wants you to pay them to find work for you.
You can report scams to WA ScamNet via email or by calling 1300 30 40 54.