Stay alert. Scams promise Maritime Security Identification Cards (MSICs) and Australian visas to work for cruise companies.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is reminding the general public and maritime industry of the existence of ongoing global scams offering people a Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC) and Australian visa to gain jobs with cruise companies.
This global scam has been in operation for over a decade. The scammers claim to be AMSA employees, and employees of other Australian Government departments and agencies. Fake forms which feature AMSA's logo are used to extract personal information and money from victims.
Advice for anyone who receives a suspicious job offer like this:
- Do not reply to the person offering you the job until you have confirmed it is legitimate.
- Attempt to contact the actual company the person claims to work for using their official website or phone number as listed in a telephone directory.
- Report suspected scams to Scamwatch at the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
For more information about these seafarer job offer scams, visit AMSA's website: Seafarer job offer scams and hoaxes