Overseas-job agents: checks before you pay
5 min read · Educational content only
Check the recruiting agent
Use the Ministry of External Affairs eMigrate portal (https://emigrate.gov.in) to check recruiting-agent registration and current official advisories. Independently compare the registered name, address and registration details with the person requesting payment. A registration entry is not a guarantee that a particular job offer is genuine.
Verify the offer independently
Contact the employer through contact details obtained independently from its official website, not only from the agent's message. Ask for written employment terms and check the proposed visa category with the destination government's official immigration guidance. A promised job does not itself establish work permission.
Treat pressure and guarantees cautiously
Requests for immediate payment, guaranteed visas, unexplained fees, mismatched names or accounts, and refusal to provide written terms warrant further checks. These are warning signs, not proof of fraud. Do not upload identity documents or transfer funds solely because someone provides a logo, licence image or social-media testimonial.
Keep a paper trail
Preserve messages, the offer letter, invoices, receipts and payment references. Request a written breakdown of services, charges and cancellation terms. Redact passport, bank and identity details before sharing material publicly; use secure official reporting channels for evidence.
Report suspected financial cyber fraud
For suspected financial cyber fraud in India, promptly contact 1930 and consult https://cybercrime.gov.in. Use MEA's official channels for recruiting-agent concerns, and the appropriate police or consumer-grievance channels for your circumstances. Reporting does not guarantee fund recovery. If there is immediate danger, contact local emergency services.
Scope of this checklist
This is general educational information, not an immigration eligibility assessment or individual legal advice. Processes and official guidance can change. Check the relevant government sources and consult a qualified professional where needed.
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See services →Disclaimer: This guide is general legal information, not legal advice. Your situation may differ. Consult an advocate for advice specific to you.