How to avoid farm scams and unsafe jobs

An advert promises an immediate start, accommodation and the 88 days you need. When your visa deadline is getting closer, it can be tempting to pack up and go. Take a moment to get the details first.

Who is employing you? What will they pay? Where will you stay, and what will it cost during a week with no work? Those answers help you assess the offer before spending money to get there.

In short

Before accepting, check:

• company name;
• ABN;
• location and postcode;
• job;
• pay;
• payslip;
• accommodation;
• transportation;
• realistic hours;
• written conditions.

If this information is missing, do not leave.

Immediate warning signs

Stop if:

• they ask for money before telling you the company name and location;
• they promise 88 days guaranteed;
• they only pay cash without payslip;
• do not indicate ABN;
• they do not explain the type of work;
• they say that no contract or proof is needed;
• accommodation is mandatory but has no clear price;
• they use pressure such as "decide within 10 minutes";
• they ask you for complete photos of documents in an unverified chat.

A serious offer may be urgent, but it must be clear.

ABN and business name

ABN Lookup allows you to check public information about an Australian Business Number. ASIC recommends using official registers to check whether a business is genuine and to be careful if the name, ABN or entity does not match who you are dealing with.

This doesn't guarantee that the job is reliable, but it helps you confirm that the business exists and that its details match the offer.

Ask:

• what is the ABN?
• which name appears in payslip?
• is the workplace the same as the company?
• who really pays me?

Payslip and evidence

Fair Work means that workers in Australia have workplace rights regardless of citizenship or visa status. This includes pay and minimum conditions.

If the employer says:

• "no payslip";
• "cash only";
• "I'll pay you at the end";
• "do not declare";
• "this is worth more for the visa";

consider it a serious risk. Without payslip and proof, you could lose money and days.

Accommodation tied to work

Farm accommodation can make arriving easier, especially without a car. Before accepting it, find out what you would pay during weeks when little work is available.

Ask:

• weekly cost;
• bond;
• number of people per room;
• distance from work;
• transportation;
• kitchen and laundry;
• what happens if there are no hours;
• what happens if you leave your job.

If you have to pay weeks in advance but the job isn't guaranteed, beware.

Intermediaries and Facebook groups

An intermediary may help you find work, but ask who they act for and what they charge. Look for evidence beyond the message you received in a Facebook group.

Check:

• profile of the person publishing;
• old comments;
• reviews;
• company details;
• replies to other backpackers;
• consistency between announcement and private messages.

Don't send your passport, TFN or full bank details to strangers before checking.

What to do if something doesn't add up

If you're already there and something doesn't add up:

• save messages;
• save payslip or proof of payment;
• photograph rosters and timesheets;
• talk to other workers;
• ask for clarification in writing;
• consult Fair Work;
• consider leaving if it's not safe.

If you are worried about losing days already worked, gather the records you have and seek advice about your situation. Concern about your visa should not keep you in unsafe conditions.

The 88 days are not a reason to accept anything

“88 days available” in an advert does not establish that a job is eligible. Check the employer, duties and actual work location, and confirm accommodation and transport costs before paying.

If someone threatens to cancel your visa, remember that visa decisions belong to Home Affairs. An employer does not have that power. Keep the messages and seek help rather than trying to deal with the threat alone.

Official sources

• Fair Work Ombudsman - Visa holders and migrant workers: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/tools-and-resources/fact-sheets/rights-and-obligations/visa-holders-and-migrant-workers-workplace-rights-and-entitlements
• Fair Work Ombudsman - Visa holders and migrants: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/find-help-for/visa-holders-migrants
• ABN Lookup: https://abr.business.gov.au/
• ASIC - Check another business is trustworthy: https://www.asic.gov.au/for-business-and-companies/business-basics/check-another-business-is-trustworthy/