Job scams: how to spot a fake job offer before it costs you
Quick answer
A job offer that asks you to pay for equipment or training, deposit a check and send some back, or do online "tasks" for pay is a scam. Real employers never ask you to pay to get a job. Check the company yourself and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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How it works
The FTC describes a few main versions:
- The fake check: A "new employer" sends a check and asks you to send part of it back, or buy equipment. The check bounces, and your bank wants the full amount back from you.
- The task scam: A text or message from a "recruiter" offers remote work such as rating or reviewing products. Early tasks pay, then you're asked to deposit your own money to continue.
- The pay-to-work offer: You're asked for fees, equipment or certifications. The FTC says legitimate employers, including government, won't ask you to pay to get a job.
- The data grab: An interview over chat only ends with a request for your Social Security number or bank details for "payroll".
Offers often arrive as unexpected texts. The FTC says real employers won't contact you on WhatsApp or Telegram out of the blue.
Red flags
- An unexpected job text or message on WhatsApp or Telegram
- You must pay for equipment, training or a certification
- A check that you're told to deposit and send part of back
- Interview only by email or chat
- Pay far above normal for easy work
- A recruiter using a personal email address instead of a company one
Example message
Hi, your resume was passed to our hiring team. Remote position, flexible hours, $[amount] a day for simple online tasks. Message [name] on [messaging app] to get started today.
What to do
- 1
Don't reply to unexpected job texts
Ignore generic messages on text, WhatsApp or Telegram about a job you didn't apply for.
- 2
Verify the employer yourself
Contact the company using details you already know are real, and search its name with "scam" or "complaint".
- 3
Never pay to get hired, and never send part of a check back
If you already deposited a check, tell your bank and don't send any money.
- 4
If you gave your Social Security number or bank details, protect your identity
Change passwords, watch your accounts and consider a credit freeze.
- 5
Report the job ad
Tell the job site or app where you saw it, then report it to the FTC.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
Fake recruiters find you through resume sites and social profiles, and use people-search listings to get your number and email. Serus finds where your address, phone number and email are listed on data brokers and people-search sites and removes them, and alerts you when your details show up in a breach, so fewer scammers can reach you.
Frequently asked
Will a real employer ask me to pay for a job?
No. The FTC says legitimate employers, including federal and state governments, never ask you to pay to get a job.
What is a task scam?
A fake recruiter offers pay for tasks like rating products, then asks you to deposit your own money. The FTC lists it as a growing form of job scam.
An employer sent me a check and told me to send some back. Is that normal?
No. The check will bounce and your bank will want the full amount back from you.
How do I check if a job offer is real?
Contact the company using details you already know are real, and search its name with "scam" or "complaint".
Sources
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