Employment & Job Scams: Spot Fake Job Offers (2025)

Common Job Scam Types

1. Fake Job Postings

Scammers post fake jobs on legitimate sites (Indeed, LinkedIn) to collect personal information or money.

Red flags: Vague job description, no company website, requests SSN before interview, "too good to be true" salary

2. Overpayment Scams

You're "hired" as a remote assistant. They send you a check to buy supplies, but the check is for more than needed. They ask you to wire back the difference.

Reality: The check is fake. It bounces after you wire money, leaving you liable for the full amount.

3. Reshipping/Package Forwarding

"Work from home" receiving packages and reshipping them. You're unknowingly helping criminals launder stolen goods.

Reality: You could be charged with receiving stolen property. Legitimate companies have their own logistics.

4. Pyramid Schemes/MLM

"Be your own boss!" "Unlimited income potential!" Requires buying inventory or recruiting others.

Reality: Most participants lose money. Income comes from recruiting, not selling products.

5. Upfront Fee Scams

Job requires payment for "training materials," "background check," "equipment," or "certification."

Reality: Legitimate employers pay for these costs, they don't charge employees.

Red Flags of Fake Jobs

Requests money upfront - For training, equipment, background checks
Unrealistic pay - "$5000/week for data entry!"
Vague job description - Doesn't explain actual duties
Immediate hire - No interview or minimal screening
Communication via text/messaging apps - Not official email
Requests personal info early - SSN, bank account before offer
Poor grammar - Professional companies proofread
No company presence - Can't find legitimate website or reviews
Pressure tactics - "Offer expires today!"

How to Verify Job Legitimacy

1

Research the Company

Google the company name + "scam" or "reviews." Check their official website, LinkedIn, Better Business Bureau.

2

Verify Contact Information

Does the email match the company domain? Can you find the recruiter on LinkedIn? Is there a physical address?

3

Check Job Posting Details

Is the job posted on the company's official careers page? Does the salary match industry standards?

4

Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Don't let desperation override caution.

Safe Job Hunting Practices

Use reputable job sites - Indeed, LinkedIn, company websites
Never pay for a job - Legitimate employers don't charge fees
Protect personal info - Don't give SSN until after official offer
Research thoroughly - Company, recruiter, job details
Interview properly - Legitimate companies conduct real interviews
Verify offers - Get everything in writing on company letterhead
Be skeptical of urgency - Real jobs allow time to decide
Don't cash checks - Until you verify they're legitimate

What If You've Been Scammed?

If You Sent Money:

Contact your bank immediately - Try to stop payment
Report to FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
Report to IC3: ic3.gov
File police report - You may need it for bank disputes

If You Gave Personal Information:

Monitor credit reports - AnnualCreditReport.com
Consider credit freeze - Prevents new accounts
Watch for identity theft - Unusual accounts or charges
Report to IdentityTheft.gov

If You Cashed a Fake Check:

Contact your bank immediately - Explain the situation
You're responsible for the amount - Even though check was fake
Don't wire any money - Stop all transactions

Employment & Job Scams

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