How to Avoid Farm Work Scams in Australia
Australia is one of the best countries in the world for working holidays.
But every year, backpackers are underpaid, misled, or scammed while trying to complete their 88 days of regional work.
Most employers are genuine.
Some are not.
This guide will help you spot red flags early and protect yourself while completing your farm work safely and legally.
Why Farm Work Scams Happen
Many backpackers:
Arrive with limited savings
Feel pressure to complete 88 days quickly
Don’t fully understand Australian workplace laws
Scammers take advantage of urgency and confusion.
The most common victims are those searching for jobs through:
Facebook groups
WhatsApp groups
Unverified classifieds
Word-of-mouth from other backpackers
The Most Common Farm Work Scams
Please note, some of the things mentioned below are not inherently scams, but are tactics typically used in them. Always do your own due diligence, and remember that if something sounds too good to be true - it very well might be.
Underpayment or Illegal Piece Rates
You are promised:
"$35 per hour!"
But once you arrive:
You’re switched to piece rate
Earnings fall below minimum wage
You’re told "this is normal"
Under Australian law, even piece rate workers must be able to earn at least minimum wage for competent performance.
If you're earning far below award rates, something is wrong
No Payslips (Which Can Ruin Your Visa)
Some employers:
Pay cash only
Refuse written contracts
Avoid issuing payslips
This is dangerous.
To qualify for your second Working Holiday Visa under:
Working Holiday visa (subclass 417)
Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
You must prove you completed eligible, lawful work.
No payslips = potential visa refusal.
Fake “88 Day Sign-Off” Promises
Some illegal operators offer:
“We’ll sign your 88 days even if you didn’t work full time.”
This is visa fraud.
If discovered:
Your visa may be cancelled
Future visa applications could be affected
It’s not worth the risk.
Charging for Jobs
Red flag:
An employer asks you to pay:
A “job placement fee”
A “guarantee deposit”
A “farm introduction fee”
Legitimate Australian employers do not charge workers for jobs.
Unsafe or Misrepresented Accommodation
You’re told:
“Free accommodation included.”
Reality:
Overcrowded rooms
Unsafe facilities
Excessive rent deductions
No written agreement
Always confirm:
Weekly rent
Bond terms
Living conditions
Whether rent is deducted from wages
How to Verify a Farm Job Is Legitimate
1. Check the ABN
Every Australian business should have an ABN (Australian Business Number).
You can search it online through the official government ABN lookup website.
If they refuse to provide one — walk away.
2. Ask for a Written Contract
Before starting:
Confirm pay rate
Confirm hours
Confirm location
Confirm accommodation terms
Everything in writing.
3. Confirm Award Rates
Most farm workers fall under the Horticulture Award or related awards.
As of 2026:
Casual farm workers typically earn around $27–$32 per hour.
If it sounds too low (or too high but vague), question it.
4. Keep Records
Always save:
Payslips
Bank statements
Employment contracts
Screenshots of job ads
These protect you during visa application.
What If You’ve Already Been Scammed?
If you're experiencing underpayment or mistreatment:
Stop working if unsafe.
Document everything.
Seek advice from official Australian workplace authorities.
Do not accept threats about visa cancellation — employers cannot cancel your visa.
Australia has strong worker protections — even for temporary visa holders.
Safer Ways to Find 88 Day Jobs
The safest options are:
Platforms that verify employers
Listings that clearly label eligible postcodes
Jobs that display transparent pay rates
Employers with real business registration
Instead of relying on anonymous Facebook posts, use a structured job platform where transparency matters.
👉 Browse regional jobs here: www.app.ruralink.au
Quick Red Flag Checklist
If any of these apply, pause before accepting:
❌ No ABN
❌ No payslips
❌ Cash only
❌ Vague job description
❌ Asked to pay upfront
❌ Refusal to provide written contract
❌ Pressure to start immediately with no paperwork
Trust your instincts.
Most Australian employers are honest and hardworking.
But completing your 88 days safely requires:
Due diligence
Written documentation
Legal pay
Verified employers