What is a job scam? 

A job scam is a fraudulent offer for work that is intended to mislead people seeking legitimate employment. Often, the objective of scammers is to deceive job seekers into giving money, personal information, or free labor. When you’re looking for a new job, being able to distinguish between a scam and a valid opportunity can keep you safe. 

How do you go about identifying job scams? It’s important to look out for common scams that are constantly evolving. Some examples include: 

  • Too good to be true (high pay, low effort) 
  • Immediate job offer without an interview 
  • Required fees upfront 
  • The email is from a Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, etc. account (not a company domain)

If you spot any of these scams, be high on alert.

In addition to these common scams, be sure to look out for the type of language that is being used. Some examples of suspicious language include: 

  • “No experience needed, $1000/week!”
  • “We need someone urgently”
  • “Pay a small fee to get started”
  • “We’ll send you a check to buy supplies”
  • “Buy these gift cards and we will reimburse you”

Be cautious if the message includes any of these common grabs, or anything similar to it. 

How do you stay safe from job scams? Because job scams are constantly evolving, it is important to follow these guidelines when looking for jobs:

  • Do a quick company search 
  • Make sure the job posting is on a legitimate company site 
  • Never give your social security number or bank info upfront 
  • Talk to a career advisor if you’re unsure

Platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor are all helpful resources to find a job. In order to protect yourself from scams on these platforms, make sure the company is legitimate. A quick Google search can help identify if the company is real and has real employees. Instead of applying on the job platform website, it is good practice to find the company’s official website with the job posted for the most security. Most company websites have a hiring tab or a search engine to look for the job that they are hiring for. 

What to do if you’re targeted:

  • Report the scam (FTC.gov + the job platform you found it on (LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.)
  • STOP responding immediately
  • Keep records of suspicious communication (save emails, screenshot text messages or save voicemails)
  • Contact your bank if you shared payment information (freeze your account or get a new card)
  • Change passwords if you shared any login info 
  • Warn others of the scam so they can avoid it too