Unexpected job messages can look polished, especially when they borrow the name of a real company. The safest first step is to verify the opportunity independently before sharing documents, banking details, or money.
Slow down before you respond
The FTC warns that fake recruiters may contact people by text or email, sometimes from a personal account, and push for personal or financial information before a real interview or hiring process. Do not use the link, phone number, or attachment in the message to verify the offer.
Verify the job independently
- Find the employer’s official website yourself and look for the opening there.
- Use a contact address or phone number you independently locate.
- Check whether the recruiter uses a company domain rather than a personal email account.
- Search the company and recruiter name with terms such as “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.”
Never pay to get hired
Do not send money for training, equipment, a starter kit, a background check, or a check-deposit scheme. A request to buy gift cards, deposit a check and send money back, or move money through your account is a serious warning sign—not a normal hiring step.
Protect documents and account details
Do not send a Social Security number, bank information, driver’s license image, verification code, or direct-deposit form before the employer and job have been independently verified. Save the message and note the sender details if you need to report it.
What to do if you already shared information
Contact the affected financial institution if you shared account details, change exposed passwords, and use FTC identity-theft guidance for a recovery plan. Report a suspected job scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Source: Federal Trade Commission guidance on job scams and fake recruiters. This is general consumer information, not employment advice.