12 Signs of a Fake Job Advert in Kenya (and What to Do)

Every week, Kenyans lose money to fake job adverts. Some scams are crude; others copy the logo of a real company, use a convincing email address and even hold "interviews". Fraudsters target people who are desperate for work, so anyone can be caught out.

At JobsToGrab, every job is checked by a person before it goes live. Below are the warning signs our team looks for, so you can spot them yourself wherever you find a job.

The 12 warning signs

1. You are asked to pay

This is the biggest sign. Fees can be called many things: registration, application, interview booking, medical, training, uniform, processing, "facilitation" or a "refundable deposit". Genuine employers in Kenya do not charge job seekers to apply or be hired. The Public Service Commission states that it charges no fees at any stage of recruitment.

2. The salary is far too high for the job

KSh 80,000 a month for a general worker or a cleaner with "no experience needed" is not realistic. Unusually high pay is bait.

3. You got the job without an interview

Real employers want to meet you, even if only by video call. An instant offer, especially after a WhatsApp chat, is a red flag.

4. Free email addresses and mobile numbers only

A big company recruiting from a Gmail or Yahoo address, or only through a mobile number, should make you suspicious. Check that the email domain matches the company's official website.

5. The company cannot be found

Search for the company's name, physical address and website. Fake companies often have no history, no real office and a website created very recently.

6. Pressure to act quickly

"Only three slots left", "Pay by 5pm today to secure your place". Scammers rush you so you do not have time to check.

7. Vague job descriptions

Real adverts explain duties, requirements and how to apply. Fake ones often say little more than "Vacancies available, all qualifications, apply now".

8. Mass recruitment for big-name employers on social media

Posts announcing thousands of jobs at a supermarket, airline, bank or government agency, shared on Facebook or WhatsApp with a phone number to call, are a favourite trick. Check the employer's official website. If the jobs are not there, they are not real.

9. A link to an unofficial "portal"

Fake sites copy the look of government portals and ask you to "register" with your ID and pay a fee. Government websites in Kenya end in .go.ke, but always type the address yourself rather than clicking a link sent to you.

10. Requests for sensitive information too early

Your ID copy, bank details, M-Pesa PIN or one-time codes (OTPs) should never be requested before a genuine offer. No employer ever needs your M-Pesa PIN or an OTP.

11. "Work from home" tasks that need a deposit

"Like videos", "rate products" or "complete tasks" for commission, with small payments at first and then a request to top up your account to unlock bigger earnings. You will lose everything you deposit.

12. Overseas jobs through an agency that is not licensed

Jobs in the Gulf, Europe or Canada are a major source of fraud. Before paying anything, check that the agency is licensed by the National Employment Authority. See our guide on how to check a recruitment agency for overseas jobs.

Scams doing the rounds

• Fake government recruitment: messages claiming to offer jobs with the police, KDF, KWS, county governments or national programmes in exchange for a "facilitation fee".
• Medical fee scams: you are "shortlisted" and told to pay for a medical check at a particular clinic.
• Fake UN and NGO offers: high-paid jobs with a well-known agency, followed by a request for visa or "lawyer" fees. The UN never charges recruitment fees.
• Training-then-job schemes: pay for a short course, and a job is "guaranteed" at the end.
• Task and investment "jobs" run through Telegram or WhatsApp groups.

How to check a job before you apply

1. Find the job on the employer's official website or official social media account.
2. Call the employer using a phone number from their official website, not one from the advert.
3. Search the company name together with words like "scam" or "fraud".
4. Use our free "Is this job real?" checker.
5. Look for the job on JobsToGrab. Every listing here is checked by a person against the official source.

If you have already paid or shared your details

• Stop all contact and do not pay anything more, even if promised a refund.
• If you paid by M-Pesa, call Safaricom customer care immediately to ask about reversing the transaction, and keep the confirmation message.
• Report the matter at your nearest police station or to the DCI, with screenshots of the messages, numbers and payments.
• If you shared your ID or bank details, alert your bank and watch for loans or accounts opened in your name.
• Report the fake job to us so we can warn others.

The safest rule is simple: a real employer pays you; you never pay to get a job.