Have you been contacted by a landlord, real estate agent, recruiter or someone else claiming to be associated with IamExpat and asking for a payment to secure a property, job opening or visa? This is likely a scam. Here is some information about what has been happening and some tips on protecting yourself from scams.
Be wary of scammers posing as IamExpat
We have received messages from people claiming to have been contacted by scammers posing as IamExpat on the internet.
Property agents
Some people have received messages from a “real estate agent” who claims to be working for IamExpat, regarding property listings in countries including but not limited to Germany, Switzerland and Spain. We have published a separate note about housing scammers posing as IamExpat online.
As IamExpat does not personally publish property advertisements nor take payments or deposits for housing, this is likely a scam and all messages should be viewed with caution.
It is easy to identify these messages through the email addresses used. So far, all communication seems to have gone through the email addresses “[email protected]” and "[email protected]". These email addresses are not connected to IamExpat Media and should be regarded with suspicion.
Recruiters / recruitment agents
We are also aware of some scammers posing as “recruiters” or agents for IamExpat on various online platforms, including www.internationaljobs.com, www.volunteerworld.com and grabjobs.co. They offer positions in countries including but not limited to Cape Verde, Ecuador and Togo. As well as pressuring people to sign contracts and send them copies of personal documents, they are asking for down payments to secure visas.
As IamExpat only publishes job listings on its own platform (https://www.iamexpat.ch/career/jobs-switzerland) and occasionally on LinkedIn or Indeed - and will never ask for money in exchange for a job offer or visa - these posts are almost certainly scams and should be viewed with caution.
So far, all communication with this particular scam seems to have gone through the email address “[email protected]”. Despite including IamExpat’s logo and business address in its website signature and on contracts, this company and/or email address is not connected to IamExpat Media and should be regarded with suspicion.
What to look out for
It’s important to note that all communications from IamExpat Media will come through either an “@iamexpat.com”, “@iamexpat.nl”, “@iamexpat.de” or “@iamexpat.ch” email address.
If you receive a communication from an address that looks like it could be us, but is not in the format outlined above, be sure to double check by using the official contact details of our company to talk directly with us.
We advise you to block suspicious contacts and avoid clicking on any links or filling out any forms. Make sure you never give out any personal information, bank account details or other sensitive data.
IamExpat Media will never:
- Request any personal identification information, including copies of passports or other personal documents
- Claim to be offering a property to rent (we merely advertise properties listed by partner organisations)
- Ask for a fee or downpayment to hold a property
- Publish a job advertisement on a site other than iamexpat.nl, LinkedIn or Indeed
- Advertise a job located in a country outside of the Netherlands, Germany or Switzerland
- Ask for money to secure a visa
- Pressurise you into making a decision by using scare tactics
- Contact you through WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram or Instagram regarding a property listing or job opening
- Ask you to transfer money
What to do if you are worried you have been a victim of a scam
If you have been approached by a suspicious-looking account, please block the email address, notify us, and - if you wish - the Swiss authorities.
You can also report abuse to the domain registrar handling the domain name of the email address in question. If you have any concerns or questions, you can always contact us.