Fake Job Offer Scams: How they work

Some scammers pretend to be hiring for a job, but it’s really a trick to steal your money or personal information. They might send you a message saying you got a job, even if you never applied.

One common trick is the fake check scam. The scammer sends you a check and says it’s for buying work supplies or training. They tell you to deposit it and send part of the money back to them. But after a few days, the check bounces, and the bank takes the money back—leaving you with a big loss.

Another scam is identity theft. A fake employer might ask for your Social Security number, bank details, or other personal information. They say it’s for payroll, but really, they use it to steal your identity or commit fraud.

Some fake jobs also ask you to pay upfront for things like background checks or work equipment. A real job will never ask you to pay to get hired.

Fake Job Offer Scam - some examples

Example 1:
"Hi [Your Name], we found your resume online. We’re hiring remote assistants for $25/hr. No experience needed! Quick online interview. You’ll receive a check to buy work supplies. Interested? Reply YES."

Example 2:
"Your job application has been reviewed! You’ve been hired as a virtual assistant. Your first task is to deposit the check we send and purchase supplies. Reply with your full name and address to receive your check."

Example 3:
"Hello [Your Name], your online job application has been approved! Work from home and earn $1,200 per week. We’ll send a check for your home office setup—just deposit it and buy supplies. Reply ‘YES’ to accept your offer."

🚨 Warning:
If a company offers you a job without an interview and sends a check before you start, it’s a scam! No real job requires you to handle money this way. Real jobs don’t send checks before you start working. They also never ask you to pay for work materials upfront.

If someone asks for personal info like your Social Security number before you officially start, don’t give it!

Signs of a Fake Job Offer

🚩 Sounds too good to be true – High pay for easy work is a bad sign.
🚩 No interview – Real jobs always talk to you first, usually several times.
🚩 They ask for money – If they say you need to pay first, it’s a scam.
🚩 Weird email address – Real companies don’t use free email services like Gmail or Yahoo for hiring.
🚩 They send a check – If someone sends you a check and asks for money back, don’t do it!

How to Stay Safe

✔ Look up the company before accepting any job - is it a real company?
✔ Never send money or personal details to a stranger.
✔ Never deposit a check from someone you don’t know
✔ Don’t send money back to a stranger, or use a stranger’s money to buy something from a website—real jobs don’t work that way
✔ If it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably a scam
✔ Check company websites & official emails—don’t trust random texts

If you get a suspicious text like these, don’t reply! Just delete it or block the number.

If you already sent money, report the scam to the FTC (ftc.gov), IC3, or your local consumer protection agency.