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Signs of a fake job ad and how to check a company's legal status before you apply

Job scams are still circulating, especially through WhatsApp groups, social media, and private messages. The people behind them target those who urgently need work, so an easy-sounding offer can feel like a way out. The good news is that most fake job ads leave traces you can check yourself in a few minutes.

Resmi.ID Team · 5 min read · Updated 29 Oct 2026

Article illustration: Signs of a fake job ad and how to check a company's legal status before you apply

The most important rule: a legitimate recruitment process never charges applicants. Indonesia's Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker) has stated that if a recruitment process asks for money, it is almost certainly a scam.

Red flags to watch out for

You're asked to pay a registration, admin, training, uniform, medical check, or travel fee, often with the promise that "it will be refunded after your first salary".
High pay for a vague role, such as "online admin, Rp8 million, work from home, no experience needed".
Emails from a generic domain (such as @gmail.com) claiming to be a large company, with no clear office address.
An instant chat-based interview, followed by being told you've passed without any formal invitation or selection stages.
You're asked for a photo of your ID card (KTP), family card (KK), a selfie holding your KTP, or bank details before any clear selection process.
You're asked to install an app from an unknown link, or given paid "tasks" such as liking videos and then asked for a deposit to withdraw your commission.

The moment you're asked to transfer money in any form, stop. Companies that are genuinely hiring pay for their own recruitment.

How to check a company's legal status

These checks don't require any special skills. Go through them in order, and keep screenshots of the results if you're still unsure.

1Ask for the full legal nameRequest the registered name, such as "PT Sinar Contoh Abadi", not just a brand or shop name.
2Check the NIB on OSSCompanies operating in Indonesia generally have a Business Identification Number (NIB); oss.go.id has an NIB search for businesses.
3Check the legal entityFor a PT, CV, or foundation, the name can be checked on the government's AHU Online (ahu.go.id).
4Compare with official channelsMake sure the same vacancy appears on the company's official website or social media, or call the office using the number on its website.
5Check the receiving accountIf you're asked to transfer, first check the bank or e-wallet number on cekrekening.id, run by the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi).
6Verify the addressLook up the office on a map; a private house, an empty shophouse, or a hotel room is a warning sign.

Know the limits: a clean result on cekrekening.id only means the account hasn't been reported yet, not that it's safe. Likewise, scammers can borrow the name of a properly registered company. That's why comparing with the company's own official channels still matters.

An example of a suspicious message

"Congratulations, you've passed the document screening for PT XYZ. Please transfer Rp350,000 for your medical test to the account below by today, or your place will go to another candidate." This combines three red flags at once: a fee, a personal bank account, and time pressure.

You can reply calmly: "Thank you. Could you send an official invitation from the company email and an office number I can call to confirm?" A genuine recruiter won't mind this question.

Personal data: what's reasonable and when

At the application stage, your CV, name, phone number, and email are enough. Documents such as a copy of your KTP, your tax number (NPWP), or a bank account for payroll are usually requested only after you've accepted a written job offer and employee onboarding begins. If they're requested up front, ask what they're for and who will store them.

Never share an OTP code, PIN, or password for any reason.
If you must send a photo of your KTP, add a watermark such as "For application to PT ... only, date ...".
Don't hand over your original diploma as a guarantee without a receipt and a clear employment agreement.

Jobs abroad

Overseas job offers need extra care. Kemnaker has highlighted scams run by individual accounts that aren't registered as licensed migrant worker placement companies (P3MI), combined with registration fees and requests for personal data. Make sure you go through official channels and check the company's status with the government agency responsible for protecting migrant workers.

How KarirResmi protects you

Companies get a Verified badge when their NIB matches licensing records.
Our system detects and holds back job ads that follow scam patterns before they go live.
Applicants are never charged anything on KarirResmi.
Your contact details stay hidden from the company until you pass the document screening.

If you come across or fall for a scam

Don't transfer any money and don't send personal documents. On KarirResmi, use the Report button on the job page so our team can review it. Kemnaker also accepts complaints through its official website and the 1500 630 hotline.

If you've already transferred money, contact your bank immediately, report the scammer's account on cekrekening.id, and file a police report with your chat history and transfer receipt as evidence.

References

This information is general. For important decisions, check the latest rules at official sources or consult the relevant authorities.

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