Broker and Scam Warning: Protect Yourself on the EPS Road to Korea

Start from one fact

EPS is a government-to-government program, so brokers are unnecessary and illegal. Every legitimate step happens through the EPS Korea Section under DoFE (epsnepal.gov.np) in Nepal and HRD Korea (eps.go.kr) in Korea. If a person or "agency" inserts themselves between you and these offices and asks for money, that alone is a red flag.

The lies scammers tell

Most EPS scams are versions of the same false promises. None of these are real:

• "Pay me and I'll guarantee you pass the EPS-TOPIK." False. It is a monitored government test; no one can sell a pass.
• "Pay me and I'll get you on the job-seeker roster." False. You register through the official process; a spot cannot be bought.
• "Pay me and I'll connect you directly to an employer." False. Employers select workers from the roster. There is no individual applying to companies, so there is nothing to "connect."
• "Fast job in Korea, guaranteed, limited slots!" These urgent, too-good offers, especially on social media, are bait.

Where scams hide

Be especially careful of "fast job" ads on social media such as Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp. Scammers use polished photos, fake testimonials, and pressure ("only today," "last seats") to rush you into paying before you can think. Real EPS recruitment is announced through official channels, not through a stranger's chat message.

How to protect yourself

1. Deal only with official offices. Verify every step against epsnepal.gov.np and eps.go.kr.
2. Refuse large fees. The system is low-cost. A big placement fee is proof of a scam.
3. Never let anyone apply "on your behalf" in secret or hold your documents hostage.
4. Do not submit false information. Overstay or deportation history and fake identities disqualify you; a broker who tells you to lie is setting you up to fail.
5. Slow down. Urgency and secrecy are the scammer's tools. A real process gives you time to verify.
6. Keep records. Save receipts, messages, names, and phone numbers.

If you have been defrauded

If someone has taken your money or deceived you, report it to DoFE. Bring whatever evidence you have kept: payment records, chat screenshots, names, and phone numbers. Reporting protects you and helps stop the scammer from hurting other workers.

Important note

Scam tactics change constantly, and specific procedures can differ between recruitment cycles. Always confirm current, correct steps on the official Nepal portal epsnepal.gov.np, and when in doubt, ask the official office directly before paying anyone anything.