Protections Against Fake Job Posts

Scammers often use fake job postings to catch people in vulnerable positions. These postings may boast the names of well-known employers but feature job openings that don’t exist. They can be found on reputable hiring sites like Indeed, or you might receive a phishing message for a job you didn’t apply for. Typically, the job is just too good to be true — minimal hours, work from home and a high salary. Technology like AI can help scammers sound more professional and create convincing documents.

Scam Breakdown

  • Contact and Offer: Once you apply, the scammer often will quickly email or call, explaining they are impressed with you and would like to offer you the position. They may ask for personal details, like bank account info, or send a contract earlier than expected. In some cases, they only want your contact information and direct deposit details so they can steal your money and possibly your identity. In others, you’ll be asked up front to pay for an application or training fee, supposedly to cover the cost of training or certification.
     
  • Fake Check or Payment: After the initial paperwork is out of the way, the scammer may send you a fake check. It will be described as a reimbursement for home office setup, a signing bonus or something similar. The check could be for a large sum, such as $4,000.
     
  • The Scam Unfolds: The scammer will typically ask you to deposit the check into your account and then send a portion of the money back to them, perhaps $3,000, via wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, etc.
     
  • Bank Issues and Loss of Money: You will be pressured to send the money back before your bank can fully process the check. The check may clear initially, giving you the impression that everything is legitimate. However, when the bank realizes the check is fake, the deposit is reversed.
     
  • Financial and Emotional Consequences: Not only have you lost the money you sent to the scammer, but the bank also will ask for the return of the funds from your account.

Avoiding this Scam

  • Try your best to verify job openings before you apply. 
  • Ask your friends or look for similar positions to compare salary and benefits.
  • Never pay an employer, especially for the promise of a job.
  • Never deposit a check from someone you don’t know or have only spoken to online.
  • As always, be suspicious of urgent requests and offers that are too good to be true.