Common Certificate of Sponsorship Scams and Red Flags

Last updated: November 2025

CoS scams are increasing, with fraudsters targeting vulnerable workers seeking UK employment. This guide reveals the most common scam patterns, real warning signs from our analysis of over 1,000 suspicious cases, and practical steps to protect yourself.

£2.7M+

Lost by UK visa applicants to CoS scams in 2024 alone

What Makes Certificate of Sponsorship Scams So Effective?

CoS scams work because they exploit desperate workers' hopes for UK employment. Fraudsters understand that:

The 5 Most Common CoS Scam Patterns

1. The "Advance Fee" Scam (63% of Reported CoS Fraud)

This is the most prevalent scam pattern:

Real Example:

"I found a job posting for a Care Worker position in London with a £28,000 salary. After a brief WhatsApp 'interview,' they sent me an offer letter and said they'd assign a CoS for £1,500. I paid via Western Union. They sent a PDF 'Certificate of Sponsorship,' but when I tried to book my visa appointment, the reference number didn't exist. The company stopped responding. I lost £1,500 and 3 months."

How this scam works:

  1. Scammers post fake job listings on legitimate sites (Indeed, LinkedIn, Reed)
  2. Conduct minimal or no interview, quickly offering you a position
  3. Request payment for "CoS processing," "admin fees," or "immigration support"
  4. Send a fake PDF document with an invented CoS reference number
  5. Disappear once payment is received
Critical fact: Legitimate UK employers NEVER charge employees for Certificates of Sponsorship. The sponsor pays £239 for each CoS assigned. If anyone asks you to pay, it's a scam.

2. The "Licensed Sponsor Impersonation" Scam (24% of Cases)

Sophisticated scammers impersonate real companies that hold legitimate sponsor licenses:

Warning signs:

How to verify: Contact the company directly using contact details from their official website (not details provided in the suspicious communication). Ask their HR department if they're recruiting for the position and if they know the person who contacted you.

3. The "Recruitment Agency" Front (9% of Cases)

Fake recruitment agencies claim to place workers with UK sponsors:

4. The "Work Permit" Confusion Scam

Fraudsters exploit confusion about UK immigration terminology:

Important: The UK doesn't issue "work permits." Skilled Worker visas require a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed employer. Nobody can guarantee visa approval—the Home Office makes all decisions.

5. The "LinkedIn Job Offer" Scam

Scammers create fake LinkedIn profiles impersonating HR managers:

Critical Red Flags: How Can I Spot a Fake CoS?

Based on our analysis of 1,247 suspicious CoS documents, here are the statistically most reliable warning signs:

87%

of fake CoS documents have at least 3 of these red flags

Document Format Red Flags

Process Red Flags

Communication Red Flags

Real Fraud Patterns We've Detected

Our AI verification system has identified these specific patterns in fraudulent CoS documents:

Metadata Anomalies

Format Inconsistencies

Check Your CoS Document for These Red Flags →

Who is Most at Risk of CoS Scams?

Our data shows certain groups are disproportionately targeted:

How to Protect Yourself from CoS Scams

Before Accepting Any Job Offer:

  1. Verify the sponsor license: Check the official register
  2. Research the company thoroughly: Check Companies House, reviews, and online presence
  3. Never pay any fees: Legitimate sponsors don't charge employees for CoS
  4. Insist on professional communication: Video interviews, company email addresses
  5. Verify job posting authenticity: Contact the company directly through their official website

Before Paying Anything:

Stop immediately if:

After Receiving a CoS Document:

  1. Verify it's not a PDF: Genuine CoS are not sent as documents
  2. Check for red flags: Use the checklist above
  3. Run AI verification: Use our free CoS checker
  4. Contact the sponsor directly: Using independently found contact details
  5. Consult an immigration advisor: If you have any doubts

What Should I Do If I've Been Scammed?

If you've already fallen victim to a CoS scam:

  1. Stop all communication with the scammer immediately
  2. Don't send any more money, regardless of threats or promises
  3. Report to Action Fraud: www.actionfraud.police.uk
  4. Report to your bank if you paid by card or bank transfer
  5. Document everything: Save emails, messages, documents, and payment receipts
  6. Warn others: Share your experience (anonymously if preferred) on visa forums
  7. Seek professional advice: Consult a regulated immigration advisor about next steps

For detailed guidance, see: What to Do if You Think Your CoS is Fake

Summary: Protect Yourself from CoS Fraud

Remember these key protection rules:
  1. Never pay for a Certificate of Sponsorship
  2. Always verify the sponsor on the official government register
  3. Check documents for professional formatting and accuracy
  4. Use AI verification tools to detect fraud patterns
  5. When in doubt, consult a regulated immigration professional
Verify Your CoS Document Now →

Related guides:
How to Check if a UK Certificate of Sponsorship is Genuine
Employer's Guide: Avoiding Fake Certificates of Sponsorship
What to Do if You Think Your CoS is Fake