Update Date: December 28, 2025
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes. Visa and work regulations can change. Always consult official Chinese government sources or a qualified legal professional for the most current advice regarding your specific situation.
Navigating the job market in China can be exciting, but it also requires vigilance.
Scam recruiters, both domestic and international, continue to target foreign teachers and professionals.
By knowing the red flags and asking the right questions, you can protect yourself and ensure you find a legitimate opportunity.
This guide outlines the critical warning signs and verification steps every job seeker should follow.
🚩 Major Red Flags of a Scam Recruiter
Be extremely cautious if a recruiter or agency exhibits any of the following behaviors:
- Cannot provide official business credentials. A legitimate company in China must have a SAIC (State Administration for Industry and Commerce) business license. You should request a clear scan—not a photo—of this license.
- Operates with excessive secrecy. Avoid recruiters who refuse to provide a verifiable street address or a landline telephone number. Be equally wary if they will only communicate verbally by phone and avoid putting critical answers (like visa advice) in writing.
- Makes suspicious document demands. It is a major warning sign if a recruiter demands your passport scan or resume upfront but refuses to provide their own full legal name and identification, or a scan of their passport/ID card.
- Gives incorrect or illegal visa advice. This is one of the most serious risks. Legitimate employment in China requires a Z Work Visa. Anyone who tells you it’s acceptable to enter on a tourist (L), business (M), or other visa with promises to “convert it later” is advising illegal activity. This could lead to fines, detention, or deportation.
- Pressures you to buy fake documents. Steer clear of any recruiter who offers to sell you a fake diploma, TEFL certificate, or experience letter. Using forged documents is a criminal offense in China.
- Makes unrealistic promises about requirements. Be skeptical of claims that you do not need a bachelor’s degree to work legally as a teacher, as this is a standard government requirement. Conversely, be cautious of agencies that insist you must have a specific certificate (like TEFL) if they are also conveniently selling it to you.
✅ Your Action Plan for Safe Job Searching
- Verify Licenses Directly. If a recruiter claims affiliation with SAFEA (State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs) or a university, take the extra step to contact these institutions directly to confirm the partnership.
- Get Everything in Writing. Never rely solely on verbal promises. Insist that all key details—job offer, salary, benefits, and visa process—are detailed in a formal contract before you sign or make any commitments.
- Trust Your Instincts. If a recruiter becomes evasive, aggressive, or tries to rush you when you ask the questions listed above, disengage. A professional, legitimate agency will be transparent and patient.
Key Takeaways for a Secure Search
Your safety and legal status are paramount. The core principles are verification and transparency.
Legitimate employers follow the law and are happy to prove their credibility.
Use the red flags in this guide as a checklist during your interviews and correspondence.
💡 Pro Tip: To further protect yourself, search online for the agency’s name along with keywords like “review,” “scam,” or “experience.” Connect with expat forums and professional networks in China to get firsthand community feedback.
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