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Scammers post jobs on legitimate sites and link them to spoofed websites designed to capture your vital information. Watch our video to learn some of the methods to spot these scams.
You’re searching internet job sites and come across a listing that seems perfect—it’s a great company, offers excellent pay, and best of all, you can work from home. Excited, you click the link in the listing, and things seem to get even better. The link takes you to the company’s website, where you fill out some basic information. Soon after, you receive an email saying they’re ready to interview you right away via a conference call—no resume required. Almost too good to be true, right?
Unfortunately, it probably is.
The FBI warns that scammers often post fake job listings on legitimate job sites and link them to spoofed websites designed to look like real companies. Their goal is to trick you into providing sensitive personal information, which could end up costing you thousands of dollars, major headaches, and ultimately, no job.
How can you tell if you’re being scammed? What can you do to protect yourself? If the pay and the ease of landing an interview seem too good to be true, they likely are. Check if the company is advertising the same position on its official website or only on job listing sites. If you search for the company online, do multiple reputable sources confirm its legitimacy? Be wary if the recruiter contacts you from an email address that doesn’t include the company’s name. Can you verify the name of the person you’ll be interviewing with on the company’s official website? If any of these red flags appear, think twice before proceeding.
Most importantly, never provide sensitive personal information such as your Social Security number, bank routing number, or other financial details until after you’ve been officially hired. While these are used for tax purposes and direct deposit, scammers can exploit them to commit fraud or drain your accounts. And under no circumstances should you ever provide credit or debit card information—no legitimate employer will ask for that.
Additionally, never pay for anything upfront, including background checks, training, supplies, or equipment, even if the company promises to reimburse you with your first paycheck. Bottom line: Stay vigilant. A dream job offer should never turn into a costly scam.
