Beware of Scams: How to Recognize a Cruise Fraud and Avoid Losing Money on a "Fake" Contract

This is a very important topic, especially for those looking for their first job at sea. Scammers are everywhere. The scheme is always the same: they offer fantastic conditions, a contract on a great ship without requiring experience or language skills, but... you need to pay for "document processing," "placement guarantee," "visa fees," or "diploma verification."

Remember this: legitimate cruise agencies operating under the MLC 2006 convention DO NOT take money from seafarers for employment! All expenses are covered by the ship owner. If they ask for even a single dollar as prepayment to a personal card or wallet — it's 100% a scam. Check the agency's license on official government websites and read blacklists.

Have you encountered this? Name the agencies that are currently scamming our people.