Fake job offer scams
Job scammers post false listings on legitimate job platforms, send unsolicited text or email offers, and use elaborate pretexts to collect upfront fees, steal personal documents, or run a fake check scheme that leaves victims liable for returned money.
What we know
Job offer scams exploit job seekers' hope and urgency. Common variants include fake remote work job listings that require paying for training materials, software, or background check fees before starting; bogus mystery shopper or package reshipping jobs that involve depositing fake checks and wiring back funds; and unsolicited text messages offering high-paying work-from-home roles that turn out to be task-based cryptocurrency investment apps (a variant of pig butchering scams).
The FTC reported that job and employment scam losses grew from $90 million in 2020 to $501 million in 2024, tripling in complaint volume over four years. The FBI IC3 has flagged fake job offers as a priority warning, especially for recent graduates. Scammers often use the real names of legitimate companies and create convincing job postings on platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter.
Key warning signs: a legitimate employer will never require payment to apply or start a job; will not ask for Social Security numbers, bank details, or passport copies before an employment offer; will not offer unusually high pay for minimal qualifications; and will not conduct the entire hiring process over text message or messaging apps. Always verify job offers through the company's official website and HR contact before sharing personal information.
Common claims
- Paying a fee to secure a job or training is normalFalse - legitimate employers never require payment
- Jobs found on major platforms are always legitimateFalse - scammers post fake listings on Indeed, LinkedIn, and other major sites
- Depositing a check from a new employer before starting is fineFalse - fake check scam; bank holds you responsible when the check bounces