According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans lost more than $367 million to job scams in 2023 alone. That’s a staggering number — and it’s only growing as scammers get better at mimicking legitimate hiring practices.
Related Page: PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM COMMON SCAMS IN 2025
If you’ve ever received a job offer that seemed a little too good to be true, you’re not alone. Maybe it promised high pay for little work, or came through a quick message on social media. Or maybe the company seemed real, but something just didn’t feel right.
In today’s world of online job boards, virtual interviews, and remote work opportunities, job seekers need to be more vigilant than ever. And while the scammers’ tactics evolve, the warning signs remain surprisingly consistent — once you know what to look for.
Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can spot the red flags early, protect your personal information, and make sure your next job offer is the real deal.
Scammers thrive on urgency. They want you to make quick decisions — before you have time to think or verify details.
“We need to fill this role immediately.”
“If you don’t respond today, we’ll have to move on.”
“You’ve been selected, but you must send your information right away.”
Legitimate employers don’t rush you to provide sensitive information or accept an offer. A real hiring process typically includes multiple steps — an application, an interview or two, and a clear job description.
If you feel pushed or pressured, that’s a red flag. Slow down, take a breath, and verify before you act. Scammers count on panic; confidence and caution are your best defenses.
If someone promises $2,000 a week for part-time data entry work — with “no experience needed” — stop right there.
Scammers know how to play into hope and excitement. They’ll use big promises to catch your attention: easy money, flexible hours, and instant hiring.
The truth? Real employers don’t make vague or inflated promises. Every legitimate company pays within industry standards, requires real skills, and provides specific details about responsibilities.
If the offer seems unrealistically generous, it probably is.
This is one of the biggest and most dangerous red flags.
A legitimate employer will never ask for sensitive information until after you’ve been formally hired — and even then, they’ll typically provide secure, official channels for submitting it.
If a recruiter is asking for money or private data before you’ve signed anything official, stop communicating immediately. You could be moments away from identity theft or financial fraud.
When in doubt, contact the company directly using their official phone number or email (not the one sent by the recruiter). Verify that the person you’re speaking to actually works there.
Sometimes it’s not what they say — it’s how they say it.
Fake job offers often come through strange or informal channels, like personal Gmail accounts, text messages, or even messaging apps such as Telegram or WhatsApp.
Legitimate employers usually communicate from a corporate email address (for example, firstname.lastname@company.com) and maintain a professional tone.
If you’re not sure, look up the person’s name on LinkedIn and see if their role and employer match the information in the email. Many scammers pose as real people who work for legitimate companies — but a quick check can often expose the lie.
Another common tactic? Skipping the interview process entirely.
Scammers may claim, “You’re hired!” after a quick online chat — or they’ll conduct a fake interview through text messages. They might even say it’s a “virtual interview” and have you download unfamiliar software.
Here’s the reality: no credible employer hires someone without a live conversation or video call. Interviews are a crucial part of evaluating fit and verifying identity on both sides.
If the “interview” happens over a messaging app or feels rushed, proceed with extreme caution.
A legitimate hiring manager will take time to talk with you, discuss responsibilities, and answer your questions directly. You should always have the chance to ask about salary, company culture, and next steps before receiving an offer.
In the digital age, every real business leaves a trail.
You can even do a Whois lookup to see when a company’s website was created. If the domain was registered just weeks ago — and the company claims to have “decades of experience” — that’s a red flag.
Scammers often build fake websites that look professional at first glance but fall apart under scrutiny. Click around. Read the “About Us” section. Are there real names, photos, and locations?
Trust your instincts — if something feels off, it probably is.
This scam is both old and evolving.
It usually starts with the employer sending you a check to “cover equipment costs” or “supplies.” You’re instructed to deposit it, keep part of the money, and send the rest elsewhere.
It sounds legitimate — until the check bounces days later.
When that happens, you’re on the hook for the full amount, plus bank fees. According to the American Bankers Association, fake check scams cost victims hundreds of millions of dollars each year.
Never deposit or wire money as part of a hiring process. Real employers don’t operate that way.
One of the best ways to stay safe is to start your search in trusted places.
Reputable job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and USAJobs.gov have strict posting guidelines and fraud detection systems.
You can also go directly to a company’s official careers page. If you find a job listing elsewhere, cross-check it there before applying.
If you receive a message or offer out of the blue — especially if you never applied for the position — assume it’s suspicious until proven otherwise.
Even if you’ve never fallen for a scam, it’s smart to be proactive.
Here are a few habits that can protect you in the long run:
If you believe you’ve been targeted by a scam, report it immediately to the FTC’s Fraud Reporting Center. You can also alert your bank to help prevent unauthorized transactions or identity misuse.
Sometimes, the best warning system is your intuition.
If something feels strange — maybe the tone of an email, the timing of a request, or the offer itself — it’s okay to pause.
Scammers rely on emotion. They want you to feel excited, flattered, or even afraid of missing out. The more pressure they apply, the more you should slow down and verify.
Remember: a legitimate job offer will still be there after you’ve taken time to confirm its authenticity.
Job scams prey on good people looking for honest opportunities. They exploit trust, hope, and ambition — but knowledge is your best defense.
By paying attention to red flags, verifying details, and trusting your instincts, you can stay one step ahead of scammers.
At Liberty Savings Bank, we care deeply about helping our community protect what matters most — from your finances to your personal information.
If you ever encounter a suspicious check, email, or job offer that asks for bank details, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local branch. We’re here to help you verify before you act.
Because when it comes to your money and your peace of mind, it’s always worth taking a moment to double-check.