Looking for work is hard enough without scammers in the mix, but fake opportunities are now a regular feature of job boards, social media, and inboxes. Job scams are schemes that impersonate real employers to steal money or personal information from people who are simply trying to get hired. The tactics vary, yet they share a common set of red flags. This guide breaks down the most common types of job scams and how to protect yourself from each.
Quick facts: job scams at a glance
| Scam type | The hook |
|---|---|
| Fake job postings | A too-good listing that harvests money or data |
| Recruiter scams | A fake recruiter who “found your profile” |
| Work-from-home / task scams | Easy remote “tasks” that lead to payment or fees |
| Fake-check scam | Deposit a check, send part back; the check bounces |
| Reshipping and reselling | You handle packages or goods and end up unpaid or liable |
| Mystery shopping scams | Pay for “certification” or fall into a check scam |
What is a job scam?
A job scam is any fraudulent scheme that poses as a legitimate job opportunity. Scammers advertise roles that don’t exist, impersonate real companies, and use urgency and flattery to move fast. Their end goal is either to take your money, often through upfront fees or a bounced check, or to collect enough personal and financial information to steal your identity. Because the listings and messages are crafted to look real, spotting the underlying pattern is your best protection.
Common types of job scams
Fake job postings
Fraudulent listings are posted to job boards and social media, often borrowing the name of a well-known company. They tend to be vague about duties, promise high pay for little work, and push you to share information or pay a fee. For the full breakdown, see our guide to fake job postings.
Recruiter scams
Here the vector is a person: a fake recruiter reaches out claiming to have found your profile, then steers you toward sharing sensitive details or paying for something. Our guide to recruiter scams covers how to verify whether a recruiter is real.
Work-from-home and task scams
Scammers know remote work is in demand, so they advertise easy money from home. The FBI has warned about fake work-from-home offers built around simple repetitive “tasks,” such as rating businesses or “optimizing” a service, that eventually pressure you to deposit money to unlock earnings. If a remote role promises high pay for trivial effort, be skeptical.
The fake-check scam
One of the most common employment scams works like this: a new “employer” sends a check, tells you to deposit it, keep some, and forward the rest, often to buy equipment or gift cards. The check later bounces, your bank reclaims the full amount, and the scammer keeps whatever you sent. No legitimate employer asks you to deposit a check and send money back.
Reshipping and reselling schemes
Some scams have you receive and reship packages, or buy “discounted” brand-name goods to resell. The goods may be bought with stolen funds, the promised payment never comes, and you can be left holding legal and financial liability.
Mystery shopping scams
While some mystery-shopping work is legitimate, scammers use the pitch to charge for useless “certifications” or to run a fake-check scheme. Honest programs don’t ask you to pay to get started.
Platform-specific scams: Indeed, LinkedIn, and beyond
Fake listings and recruiters appear on every major platform, including large job boards and professional networks. The platform isn’t the problem; scammers simply go where the job seekers are. Treat a listing on a reputable site with the same caution you’d apply anywhere: verify the company independently, confirm the role on the employer’s own careers page, and report anything suspicious to the platform. Most major boards let you report a listing or account directly.
Red flags that apply to every job scam
- An offer without an application or a real interview
- Pay that’s far too high for the work involved
- Any request to pay upfront for training, equipment, or background checks
- Requests for bank details or your Social Security number early in the process
- A personal email domain instead of a company address
- Pressure to act immediately or move to a personal messaging app
- A check you’re told to deposit and partly send back
How to avoid job scams
- Start from trusted sources. Government job boards and established platforms are safer starting points than unsolicited messages.
- Verify the employer. Confirm the opening on the company’s official careers page and look up the company independently.
- Never pay to get a job. Legitimate employers, including government agencies, do not charge candidates.
- Guard sensitive information. Share bank and Social Security details only after a verified offer, through secure channels.
- Slow down. Urgency is a tactic; a real employer gives you time to check.
What to do if you’ve been scammed
If you’ve encountered a job scam, report it to the platform where you found it and to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you deposited a check or shared financial information, contact your bank immediately and follow the FTC’s guidance on recovering from a scam. Reporting helps platforms remove fraudulent listings and accounts before they reach the next person.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common job scams? Fake job postings, recruiter scams, work-from-home and task scams, the fake-check scam, reshipping schemes, and mystery-shopping scams. Most share the same red flags around upfront payment, early requests for sensitive data, and offers that skip a real interview.
Are there scams on Indeed and LinkedIn? Fake listings and recruiters can appear on any platform, including reputable ones. Verify the employer independently rather than trusting a listing by the platform alone, and report suspicious posts.
Do legitimate employers ever ask for money? No. Any request to pay for training, equipment, applications, or background checks is a sign of a scam.
How do I report a job scam? Report it on the platform where you saw it and to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Related reading
Dig into the specific tactics with our guides to fake job postings and recruiter scams. The same verify-first instinct protects you well beyond hiring, including in rental scams and when you’re planning a career change and reading up on how to quit a job.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and contact your bank if you shared financial information.
