Job offer scams: urgency is a sales tactic

Just got a message from someone claiming to be a hiring manager in Ontario. No interview, no application review—just a job offer letter in a fancy PDF, plus a demand to pay $2,500 for an LMIA and “processing.” They said the position would be filled in 48 hours if I acted fast. I paused. This feels off. The timing is too tight, the language too polished, and the request for money upfront? That’s not how real Canadian hiring works. Now I’m wondering—how many others are getting similar messages right now, especially from recruiters who say they’re “guaranteed” to get you a job?

If this is real, what’s the red flag I’m missing?
Why would a Canadian employer ask for money before even seeing your work history?
How do I verify if a company is legit when the website looks professional and the address is in a real city?
And what if the job offer says it’s “for skilled workers” but the wage is way below the local standard—does that mean it’s fake, or just poorly priced?

I’ve checked IRCC’s fraud page and ESDC’s worker rights info. The warning signs are clear: no real employer sells job offers, and no one should pay to get a work permit. But the scammers are good at mimicking official language. They even use real job titles and location names. So what specific details should I double-check before I even reply? Is it enough to confirm the company’s registration number, or should I also look for a LinkedIn profile, a phone number, or a physical office? And if someone says they’re “processing” my application, how do I know they’re not just collecting fees?

If you’ve seen this, share what you noticed. Did the scammer use a specific phrase? A certain tone? Was the payment request disguised as “filing fees” or “visa support”? What details made you suspicious—or made you hesitate? Real answers come from real experiences, not just warnings. Let’s help each other spot the patterns.