Job Scam Surge: Fake Offers Double, Risks Rise

New data shows the number of job and employment scams reported by Australians aged 24 and under more than doubled in 2025 compared to 2024 (132% increase), with most of those being contacted online (44%) and via texts (38%). More than $2.2 million was lost, with females disproportionately affected*.

CBA's Executive General Manager Fraud and Scams, James Roberts, said scammers often look for opportunities that align with key moments in people's lives - including when students and young Australians are actively looking for work.

"It's a new year for students and a time many are looking for work. What we're seeing is scammers posing as employers and offering flexible or casual roles, then asking young people to receive money or move funds as part of the job. Many don't realise their bank account is being used without their knowledge to help move proceeds of crime," Mr Roberts said.

Unlike traditional scams that involve an upfront request for payment, employment scams can unfold gradually. Many people believe they are completing legitimate tasks for an employer, unaware that their account is being used as part of criminal activity to disguise the movement of proceeds of crime which could include money from scams, extortion and drug trafficking.

The latest data1 shows scammers are also targeting this age group through dating and relationship scams.

In 2025, reports of dating and relationship scams affecting those aged 24 and under increased by 40% compared to the previous year. While males reported the most (85%), females accounted for close to three-quarters (74%) of total losses.

Consequences and the role of law enforcement

Mr Roberts said while many young Australians caught up in these scams are being targeted by criminals, there can still be serious consequences when a bank account is used to move the proceeds of crime.

"Even if someone doesn't realise what's happening at first, knowingly allowing your bank account to be used or moving money for someone else can lead to account restrictions or closure," Mr Roberts said.

"Money laundering is a serious criminal offence. We report suspicious activity to the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) and work closely with police and other authorities to help disrupt organised crime and protect customers."

Mr Roberts said it was important to distinguish between those who are unknowingly manipulated by scammers and those who knowingly rent out or sell access to their bank accounts.

"People who are tricked into this are being targeted by scammers, and we want them to contact their bank as early as possible so we can help," he said.

"But knowingly selling or renting out your bank account for so-called 'money mule' activity is a serious matter. It is not permitted under the bank's terms and conditions and can result in accounts being closed and information being shared with law enforcement authorities".

Mr Roberts said disrupting online marketplaces that facilitate the buying and selling of bank accounts was also critical.

"Stopping sites or pages on places like Facebook groups that offer to purchase or rent bank accounts is an important part of preventing this type of crime," he said.

CommBank analysis identified 1,825 Facebook groups offering to rent or buy Australian bank accounts between 8 August and 7 October 2024. CommBank shared this information with Meta, via the Australian Financial Crime Exchange's Anti-Scams Intelligence Loop.

What students and young Australians should do

CommBank is urging students and young Australians to stop and check before accepting job offers or requests that involve their bank account.

Red flags to watch for include:

• Job offers that ask you to receive, move or pass on money
• Requests to share bank details, login information or account access
• Online relationships that involve financial help or money movement
• Pressure to act urgently or keep requests secret

Mr Roberts said early action can make a significant difference.

"If something doesn't feel right, stop and contact your bank straight away," he said.

"The earlier we hear from you, the more we can do to help protect you and disrupt scam activity."

CommBank encourages anyone who is unsure about a job offer, payment request or online relationship to seek advice from someone they know and trust before taking action.