Doc Summary
Before accepting a job offer in Australia—especially if you are overseas or new to the country—verify the employer’s legitimacy. This guide outlines quick checks using official Australian registers and reputable sources to reduce risk, avoid scams, and confirm the company is lawful and compliant.
Quick verification checklist #
- Confirm the company’s ABN/ACN and status via ABN Lookup and ASIC.
- Match the legal name, trading name, address, and contact details.
- If a recruiter is involved, confirm licensing or professional membership.
- Validate any visa sponsorship claims with official Home Affairs guidance.
- Check pay rates and awards on Fair Work tools.
- Review independent feedback (Google, SEEK Company Reviews, Glassdoor).
- Watch for red flags: upfront fees, unrealistic salaries, pressure tactics.
1) Confirm the legal entity via ABN and ASIC #
Start by verifying the company’s legal identity and registration status:
- ABN Lookup: Search the Australian Business Number, business name, GST status, and business location at https://abr.business.gov.au.
- ASIC Registers: Check the Australian Company Number (ACN), current status (Registered/Deregistered), directors, and business name details at https://connectonline.asic.gov.au.
Ensure the details on the job ad or contract (legal name, trading name, address, ABN/ACN) match what appears on the official registers. Discrepancies are a warning sign.
2) Cross-check contact and digital presence #
- Website and domain: Confirm the site domain matches the business name and isn’t a look‑alike. You can check domain age/ownership via https://who.is.
- Contact details: Verify phone and address using the company’s Google Business Profile and map listing. Cross-check emails use the official domain (not free webmail for hiring).
- Professional presence: Review LinkedIn and recent company news. Thin or inconsistent presence can indicate risk.
3) Validate recruiters and labour-hire providers #
If a third-party recruiter or labour-hire firm is involved, confirm legitimacy:
- RCSA membership (industry body for recruiters): https://www.rcsa.com.au.
- State/Territory labour-hire licensing (where applicable):
Ask for the licence number and verify it on the regulator’s site. Unlicensed operation in regulated jurisdictions is a red flag.
4) Check pay, awards, and lawful conditions #
Confirm the offered pay and conditions comply with Australian workplace laws:
- Fair Work Ombudsman (awards, minimums, rights): https://www.fairwork.gov.au
- Fair Work Pay Calculator: https://calculate.fairwork.gov.au
- Enterprise Agreements (where relevant): https://www.fwc.gov.au/agreements
If the offer falls below legal minimums or attempts to avoid superannuation, leave entitlements, or payslips, proceed with caution.
5) Verify visa sponsorship claims #
Some scammers promise “guaranteed visas.” No employer can guarantee visa approval. If a role includes sponsorship (e.g., Temporary Skill Shortage visa), the employer must be an approved sponsor and meet specific obligations. Review official guidance at the Department of Home Affairs: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia.
Request the company’s Standard Business Sponsor approval evidence and the nominated occupation details. Be cautious if you’re asked to pay for employer costs (unlawful in many cases).
6) Review independent feedback and history #
- SEEK Company Reviews: https://www.seek.com.au/companies
- Glassdoor reviews: https://www.glassdoor.com.au
- Google reviews and local news: cross-check for patterns of complaints.
Evaluate consistency over time rather than isolated comments. Look for responses from the employer indicating accountability.
7) Red flags that indicate risk #
- Requests for upfront payments (training, equipment, “visa processing” fees).
- Unrealistic salaries, guaranteed visas, or pressure to accept immediately.
- Only encrypted messaging for official communications; no verifiable phone/address.
- Offer letters with mismatched legal names/ABN, or no ABN/ACN at all.
- Asking for TFN, passport, or bank details before a written offer and verified identity.
- Pay directed through your account or crypto; requests to launder funds.
If something feels wrong, pause and verify. See Scamwatch for current job scam tactics: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au.
8) How to report and get help #
- Report job scams: ACCC Scamwatch at https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam
- Cyber incidents or identity theft: Australian Cyber Security Centre (ReportCyber) at https://www.cyber.gov.au/report
- Workplace rights concerns: Fair Work Ombudsman at https://www.fairwork.gov.au
9) Get expert guidance #
Verifying employers is vital—especially for international students, skilled migrants, and those seeking Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathways. Skills Campus can help you interpret ABN/ASIC results, check award conditions, and assess sponsorship claims, so you make safe, informed decisions.
Explore how we support study, RPL, and migration success in Australia: https://skillscampus.com.au. For personalised assistance, contact us today: https://skillscampus.com.au/contact.
