Job search safety
How to Spot Fake Job Listings and Job Scams
Job seekers are attractive targets because applications naturally involve contact information, interviews, and eventually payroll details. The safest approach is to verify the employer and the opportunity before money or sensitive information enters the conversation.
Treat payment requests as a major warning sign
The Federal Trade Commission warns that honest employers do not ask applicants to pay for the promise of a job. Be skeptical of required starter kits, certifications sold by the recruiter, training fees, equipment deposits, or requests to buy gift cards.
A real employer may have normal onboarding expenses later, but the candidate should not have to send money in order to receive the job.
Do not trust a check just because your bank shows funds
Fake-check scams can make money appear available before the bank discovers the check is fraudulent. A scammer may send a check for equipment, then ask you to send part of the money elsewhere or return an overpayment.
The FTC specifically warns against job offers that involve depositing a check and sending money back. Do not forward money, buy gift cards, or purchase equipment on instructions from an unverified recruiter.
Verify unexpected recruiter messages independently
Search for the company using your own browser instead of relying only on links in the message. Compare the recruiter's email domain with the company's real website and check whether the role appears on the official careers page.
Be cautious with generic texts, WhatsApp messages, or Telegram recruitment that provide little detail about the actual work. A familiar company logo in a message is not proof that the sender works there.
Protect sensitive information until the employer is real
Applications often require ordinary contact information, but bank details, tax forms, and identity documents belong much later in a legitimate hiring process.
If someone asks for a Social Security number, bank login, credit card, or a photo of an ID before you have verified the employer and reached a credible onboarding stage, stop and investigate.
Research the offer, not just the company name
Scammers can impersonate real companies. Search the company or recruiter name together with words such as scam, complaint, or review. Contact the employer using contact information you found independently if something feels wrong.
If you believe a U.S. job offer is fraudulent, the FTC provides reporting and job-scam information at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and consumer.ftc.gov.
Red flags worth stopping for
Paying a fee to get the job, buying gift cards, or sending part of a check back.
Requests for sensitive financial or identity information before a credible hiring process.
Unexpected generic messages, pressure to act immediately, or communication that cannot be verified through the company.
High pay for vague work, no meaningful interview, or an offer that arrives before anyone has evaluated your qualifications.
Trusted source
For current U.S. job-scam guidance and reporting, visit the Federal Trade Commission's job scam guidance or ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Using ClickToResume
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