How to check a job offer is real.
Fake job offers cost Kenyans money and put them at risk. These five checks take an afternoon and can save you both.
Use this guide if
- Someone has offered you a job abroad
- You have been asked to pay before you get a contract
- An offer uses the Urban Careers name and you want to be sure
Five checks
1. Quote the job reference
Every real Urban Careers job has a reference like UC-0412 and is listed on our website. Ask for it, then search for it on our jobs page or ask us.
2. Visit the office
Real agencies have a real address. Ours is 3rd floor, [Building name], [Town]. Come in and ask.
3. Check the NEA register
Licensed private employment agencies are listed by the National Employment Authority. Search for the agency’s name. [Link to the register to be added.]
4. Never pay to secure a job
Official costs, like a passport, are paid directly to the government with a receipt. A “processing” or “booking” fee paid to a person is a warning sign.
5. Get the contract before you pay or travel
You should see a written contract with the salary, hours and employer details before you spend money or board a plane.
If you have been asked to pay
- 01StopDon’t send any more money, even if you are under pressure to pay today.
- 02Keep the evidenceMessages, receipts, phone numbers and names.
- 03Check with usCall or WhatsApp us with the details, especially if they used our name.
- 04Report itReport fraud to the police. We can help you understand where to go.
Questions to ask anyone offering you a job
- What is the job reference, and where is it listed?
- Who is the employer, and where is the workplace?
- Can I see the contract before I pay anything?
- Which costs do I pay, how much, and who receives the money?
- Which visa will I travel on?
- Where is your office, and can I visit?
What Urban Careers charges you
For employer-paid roles, nothing. Every job on our website lists exactly what you pay, item by item, and who receives the money.
If someone uses our name
- Our jobs are listed on this website with a reference number. If it isn’t listed, ask us.
- We never ask for payment to a personal M-Pesa number.
- Report a suspicious offer to us quoting the reference, and we will tell you if it is ours.
Normal costs and warning signs
| Normal | Warning sign |
|---|---|
| Passport fee paid on eCitizen | A “visa processing” fee paid to a person |
| Certificate of good conduct fee paid on eCitizen | A fee to “reserve” or “book” your job |
| Medical fee paid at the clinic, with a receipt | Cash or M-Pesa to a personal number |
| Every cost listed on the job before you apply | New costs appearing after you have paid the first one |
- NormalPassport fee paid on eCitizenWarning signA “visa processing” fee paid to a person
- NormalCertificate of good conduct fee paid on eCitizenWarning signA fee to “reserve” or “book” your job
- NormalMedical fee paid at the clinic, with a receiptWarning signCash or M-Pesa to a personal number
- NormalEvery cost listed on the job before you applyWarning signNew costs appearing after you have paid the first one
Questions people ask
Ask them for the job reference, then call or WhatsApp us, or visit the office. We tell you if the job is ours.
You may pay official costs, such as a passport, directly to the government with a receipt. Paying a person to secure a job is a warning sign.
Stop paying, keep all messages and receipts, and contact us. Report fraud to the police.
Related
- For job seekersWorking abroadChecked jobs with the salary, contract and every cost you pay listed before you apply.Read more about working abroad
- For job seekersDocuments and visasPassport, police clearance, medical and visa: where to get each one and what it costs, checked before submission.Read more about documents and visas
- For job seekersPre-departure and supportA briefing on your contract, your rights and your new country, then someone who answers when you call.Read more about pre-departure and support
Want us to check an offer?
Send us the details and the job reference.