Job scams are on the rise, and they often target people who are actively searching for work. Scammers frequently pose as legitimate employers, recruiters, or hiring platforms to steal your personal information or money. Protect yourself by knowing the warning signs.
🚩 Red Flags to Watch For
- You were contacted out of nowhere — you never applied, but someone reached out with a "perfect opportunity"
- The pay seems too good to be true — unusually high salaries for minimal qualifications or vague job duties
- They ask for money upfront — for training materials, background checks, equipment, or certifications. Legitimate employers never charge you to work for them.
- Interviews happen only via text or chat apps — such as WhatsApp, Telegram, or Google Hangouts, with no video or phone call
- They request sensitive information too early — your Social Security number, bank account, or ID before a formal offer or onboarding process
- The job description is vague or generic — no clear company name, location, or specific responsibilities listed
- The email domain looks off — hiring@company-jobs-hr.com instead of hiring@company.com
✅ How to Properly Vet a Job Posting
- Search the company independently — Go directly to the company's official website. Do not use links provided in the job posting.
- Verify the job is real — Check if the same role is listed on the company's official careers page.
- Look them up on multiple platforms — Search the company on LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- Confirm the recruiter's identity — Search the recruiter's name and email on LinkedIn to verify they are a real employee of that company.
- Never pay to get hired — No legitimate employer will ever ask you to purchase software, pay for a background check, or send money in any form before you start.
- Trust your instincts — If something feels rushed, pressured, or too easy, slow down and do more research before proceeding.
📢 If You Suspect a Scam
Report it to:
- FTC (Federal Trade Commission): reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov
- Your state's Attorney General office
This notice is provided for informational and protective purposes only. We are committed to helping you navigate your career transition safely and confidently.