The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is advising people to look out for job scammers. These are typically individuals who claim to be hiring but are really just after your personal information or money. They often impersonate well-known employers.
"Then they’ll move fast," the FTC says.* "Before you even interview, you might get an official-looking job offer along with paperwork that requires your personal financial information (supposedly for direct deposit). The recruiter will push for that information before they answer your questions about the job. In reality, there is no job and the 'recruiter' is a scammer. Real employers won’t ask for that kind of information before they’ve actually interviewed and hired you."
Here are five common job scams to look out for:
1. Fake Check Scams
Fake check scams are among the most common job scams. They involve an "employer" who appears eager to hire you quickly. They may send you a fake check and ask you to deposit it, then forward part of the money to a "vendor" or use it to buy equipment. The check may initially clear but then bounce days later. They may also ask you to wire money or buy gift cards. Be cautious of anyone who sends you a check before you've done any actual work.
2. Email Offers
Scam job offers often arrive by email. These should be treated with the same caution as phishing emails and other unsolicited messages from questionable senders.
"You may receive an email from someone claiming to be a recruiter who found your resume on a job board," says Kate Palmquiest at Indeed.** "Some emails come from legitimate recruiters, but others may come from dishonest people trying to deceive you. Often, dishonest ones ask you for sensitive information, such as identification or bank account numbers."
3. Remote Work Scams
Scammers know that many people are looking for work-from-home jobs, and they often target those seeking flexible opportunities. They may place ads online claiming you can make thousands of dollars a month working from home with little effort. They might say you can be your own boss and set your own schedule but then ask you to reship products or sell items to people you know—neither of which is a sustainable or legitimate work arrangement. While there are many real remote jobs available, it’s important to research the company before accepting any offer.
4. Data Harvesting
Some scammers are primarily interested in harvesting your personal data. They may post job listings on legitimate sites, but once you respond, they ask for sensitive information such as your Social Security number, bank account details, or a copy of your ID. They might claim this is needed for a background check or payroll setup, but no employer should request this information before hiring you. A red flag is when they ask you to send sensitive data via email attachments rather than through secure portals. They may also be vague about job responsibilities while requesting detailed personal information.
5. Pyramid Schemes
Pyramid schemes promise quick wealth and are structured around recruiting others into a program or investing in products you’re expected to resell. Income is generated through constant recruitment rather than actual sales to customers, and the products involved are often overpriced, low quality, or both. These schemes are typically disguised as multi-level marketing (MLM) opportunities, but in most cases, only a small number of participants see any real profits.
These five scams are far from the only ones out there. The most important things to keep in mind are to protect your personal information and research any company before agreeing to work with them. Be cautious of “opportunities” that seem too good to be true or that demand a lot from you before any formal hiring takes place.
* https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/07/job-scammers-are-looking-hire-you
** https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/job-scams