ToKoreaGet started7 Job and Visa Scam Phrases Targeting Foreigners in Korea — What Brokers Actually Say
ToKorea automatically detects and blocks broker scam phrases in community posts and comments. Five of the seven types below (money for a guaranteed visa, passport custody, bank account lending, illegal job brokering, E-9 brokering) break Korean law, so such posts cannot be published at all; the other two (upfront payment, moving to an outside messenger) trigger a warning.
1. Asking for money in exchange for a “guaranteed” visa — Blocked
Be suspicious of sentences like these
- “100% visa guaranteed — pay the fee upfront and we start right away”
- “We guarantee your E-7 visa. Paperwork fee 2 million KRW”
Why it is dangerous
Visas are reviewed and issued by the immigration office, and no one can guarantee one. Taking money with a promise of a guaranteed visa is a classic scam.
2. Demanding your original passport — Blocked
Be suspicious of sentences like these
- “Submit your original passport when you join; we return it when you leave”
- “Hand in your passport when you move into the dormitory”
Why it is dangerous
Taking or demanding a foreigner’s passport or residence card as security for a job contract or debt is prohibited by the Immigration Act (Article 33-3).
3. Asking to borrow your bank account — Blocked
Be suspicious of sentences like these
- “Just lend us your bank account and get 500,000 KRW a month”
- “Account rental side job — easy money from home”
Why it is dangerous
A lent bank account is used for voice phishing and other crimes; lending it is punishable under the Electronic Financial Transactions Act and can hurt your visa status.
4. Brokering work your visa does not allow — Blocked
Be suspicious of sentences like these
- “We introduce factories where you can work without a visa”
- “Lots of jobs that are fine even if you overstay”
Why it is dangerous
Working without permission can lead to up to 3 years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million KRW (Immigration Act Article 94) and deportation, and brokers are punished too.
5. Recruiting by claiming to arrange E-9 (Employment Permit System) jobs — Blocked
Be suspicious of sentences like these
- “E-9 worker placement — choose the factory you want”
- “We handle the Employment Permit System for you”
Why it is dangerous
Only the government (employment centers and HRD Korea) may select and place E-9 workers. Private brokering is illegal, and there is no reason to pay anyone.
6. Asking for money before you start work — Warning
Be suspicious of sentences like these
- “The referral fee must be paid in advance”
- “Send a 300,000 KRW deposit and we will hold the position for you”
Why it is dangerous
Scammers often take a referral fee or deposit first, using a job as bait. Under the Employment Security Act, even licensed job agencies may only charge set fees.
7. Asking to move to an outside messenger — Warning
Be suspicious of sentences like these
- “Contact us on Telegram for details”
- “KakaoTalk: abcd1234 for inquiries”
Why it is dangerous
Scammers often move the conversation to a messenger that leaves no record, then ask for money or disappear. Talk where there is a record in case of a dispute.
What to do if you are unsure
- Before sending any money, ask 1345 (Immigration Contact Center) or 1350 (Ministry of Employment and Labor).
- Never hand over your original passport or residence card to anyone.
- Keep screenshots of messages and transfers, and report to 112 if you have been harmed.
Method and limitations
- The phrase types are the same as the automatic check rules of the ToKorea community (managed in the admin console). Automated tests confirm that the rules actually catch the example sentences.
- Legal provisions follow the Immigration Act, the Electronic Financial Transactions Act, the Act on the Employment of Foreign Workers, and the Employment Security Act on the National Law Information Center.
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Cite as: ToKorea, "7 Job and Visa Scam Phrases Targeting Foreigners in Korea — What Brokers Actually Say", 2026-10-04, https://tokorea.teamcat.app/data/scam-phrases/en
Frequently asked questions
Can I trust an agency that guarantees a visa?
No. Visas are reviewed and issued by the immigration office, and no one can guarantee one. If someone promises a guarantee and asks for money, suspect a scam.
What if my employer wants to keep my passport?
You can refuse. Holding a passport as security for a contract or debt violates Article 33-3 of the Immigration Act. If it has already been taken, ask 1345 or a nearby foreign worker support center for help.
Source data
More data
- Korean University Data Book for International Students — Enrollment, Dropout Rate, Dormitory, Tuition, Certification (2025 disclosure)
- Healthcare Access for Foreign Residents — Foreigners, Clinics and Pharmacies by City (2026-08)
- Unpaid Wage Offender List Analysis — By Industry, Region and Disclosure Round
- Korea Minimum Wage Pay Table 2026–2027 — Monthly Pay for 10 to 40 Hours a Week, Including Weekly Holiday Pay