How-to guide
Job and employment scams
Job scams prey on hope and urgency. A recruiter messages you out of the blue with an easy, high-paying remote role — but the goal is your money or your identity, not your labor.
Signs of a fake job
- An offer with no real interview, or a job you never applied for.
- An upfront fee for "equipment", "training", or a "background check".
- A check to deposit, then a request to send part of it back (fake-check scam).
- Requests for your SSN, bank login, or ID before any real hiring.
- Communication only over chat apps, from a personal email.
How to protect yourself
Real employers don't charge you to work or send checks before you start. Verify the company through its official site and look up the recruiter. Run the offer through Scam Doctor before you reply or share anything.
Frequently asked questions
Why would a fake job send me a check?
It's the fake-check scam: the check looks real and "clears" briefly, you send part back, then the check bounces and you owe your bank the full amount.
Should I give my SSN for a job application?
Only after a genuine offer from a verified company, through official channels. Never share it early in a chat-only "interview".