How to avoid farm scams and unsafe jobs

When you need the 88 days, you are more vulnerable. Some employers or intermediaries know this and use urgency, promises and fear to get you to accept unclear conditions.

You can't eliminate every risk, but you can greatly reduce it by asking the right questions before you move.

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

Many farms offer accommodation. Sometimes it's convenient. Sometimes it's the weak point.

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

Not all intermediaries are scams, but you need to understand who they are. Real offers and terrible offers circulate in Facebook groups.

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;
• photographs roster and timesheet;
• talk to other workers;
• ask for clarification in writing;
• consult Fair Work;
• consider leaving if it's not safe.

The most important thing is not to stay in one place for fear of missing days if those days are not documentable.

Common mistakes

The first mistake is leaving just because someone wrote "88 days available".

The second mistake is not checking the ABN.

The third mistake is paying for accommodation or transportation before having details.

The fourth mistake is thinking that an employer can cancel your visa. Visa rules are handled by Home Affairs, not the employer.

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/