Job Scam Red Flags You Can’t Ignore
Job hunting is hard enough without worrying about scams. But unfortunately, fake job offers are everywhere, especially online. If a job seems too good to be true, trust your gut. Here’s how to spot a scam before it spots you.
Signs a Job Might Be a Scam
| You’re offered the job without an interview (or after just one). That’s not how real hiring works. | There’s no real office address, or it’s someone’s house. Even remote companies have mailing addresses. |
| You’re pressured to say yes right now. Real employers give you time to think. | Something just feels off. Trust your instincts — they’re usually right. |
| They ask for money for training, equipment, or anything else. NEVER send money to an employer. Ever!! | You’re told to “recruit others” after you’re hired. Hello, pyramid scheme |
| They want your personal info before you’re officially hired. SSN, bank info, birthdate. Only share via official HR forms after accepting a real job. | You’re contacted about a job you never applied for. Sure, recruiters might reach out on LinkedIn or Handshake, but they’ll usually ask you to apply, not jump straight into interviews. |
| The job description is super vague or generic. No duties, no team, no clear role? Be cautious. | The “interview” invite shows up within 24 hours, or outside normal hours. Sketchy timestamps (middle of the night or weekends)? Big red flag. Real jobs move more slowly. |
| The email is from a Gmail or Yahoo address, not a company domain. Look for legit domains like @companyname.com. Random Gmail addresses? Nope. | The message has typos, poor grammar, or just sounds off. Professionals proofread. Scammers don’t. |
| The pay seems way too high for an entry-level job or internship. If it sounds too good to be true… | They only contact you via text, WhatsApp, or email. No video or phone interviews? That’s sus. |
| You’re asked to download their “custom” meeting app. If it’s not Zoom, Google Meet, or Teams, don’t risk it. Malware alert. |
How to Check if a Job Is Legit
- Google the company name + “scam” or “fraud”
- Look for real employee profiles on LinkedIn
- Verify the recruiter via the company’s official phone number
- Check for reviews on Glassdoor, Indeed, or the BBB
- Double check the website — does it look sketchy, generic, or brand new?
If you think you have been scammed, immediately
- Report it:
- FTC Report
- IC3 (Internet Crime)
- Report on the platform (LinkedIn, Handshake, etc.)
- If you gave banking info:
- Call your bank immediately
- Monitor accounts and ask about fraud alerts
- If you gave your SSN:
- Contact a credit bureau to place a fraud alert
- Visit IdentityTheft.gov to start recovery
- Contact your DMV if you shared your driver’s license
- If you sent or received money:
- Contact the payment service to dispute it
- Never cash checks from unknown employers as they’re usually fake