The Promise of a Dream Job—Or a Costly Scam?

In an era where remote work has become the norm and job seekers are eager for flexible opportunities, employment scams are flourishing. Scammers prey on individuals looking for work-from-home jobs, offering lucrative salaries with minimal effort—only to steal their money and personal information.

 

Jennifer Lorenz learned this lesson firsthand. After months of job searching and radio silence from employers, she received an unexpected message on her phone: an offer from UnitedHealth Group promising $35 an hour. It seemed like the break she had been waiting for. But as she quickly discovered, it was all a carefully orchestrated scam.

 

How Employment Scams Work

Employment scams typically follow a predictable pattern. Here's how they ensnare unsuspecting job seekers:

  1. The Initial Contact: Victims receive a text or email from a company claiming to have reviewed their resume. The offer often boasts an above-average salary and minimal qualifications required.
  2. The “Easy” Interview: Instead of a formal video or in-person interview, the hiring process takes place over text or email, making it feel rushed and impersonal.
  3. The Check and Instructions: Once “hired,” the victim receives an onboarding packet with a check, often for a few thousand dollars. The employer instructs them to deposit it and use the funds to purchase necessary equipment or training materials.
  4. The Fraudulent Transfer: The scammer then requests proof of deposit—giving them access to the victim’s bank details. Sometimes, they’ll ask the victim to forward some of the money to a third party, only for the check to bounce days later, leaving the victim on the hook for the missing funds.

The Red Flags to Watch For

Jennifer was nearly convinced—until she noticed a glaring error in the onboarding packet: the word “corporate” was misspelled on the letterhead. That small detail saved her from financial disaster. But not everyone is so lucky.

According to a recent Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Tracker Risk Report, job scams are the #2 more reported type of scam, with victims losing an average of $1,000 per incident. With scammers constantly refining their tactics, it’s critical to recognize the warning signs:

  • Vague Job Descriptions: Legitimate companies provide detailed job expectations and requirements. If an offer seems too general or too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Unprofessional Communication: Poor grammar, typos, or an overly casual tone can indicate a scam.
  • Request for Upfront Payments: No real employer will send a check and ask you to forward money elsewhere.
  • No Verifiable Online Presence: Always research the company. If you can’t find a legitimate website, LinkedIn profile, or reviews, proceed with caution.
With scammers becoming more sophisticated, job seekers must stay vigilant. Photo byiStock

Fighting Back Against the Scammers

When a scammer targeting job seekers solicited a TrustDALE producer with an offer to clean houses for $2,200 a month, we decided to investigate. The “employer” claimed they would send a check for nearly $5,000 to cover expenses, instructing the recipient to cash it and wire a portion of the funds to a Walmart in Michigan.

 

Instead of following instructions, we confronted the fraudsters. When we pressed their supposed attorney for more details, their responses became increasingly desperate. A linguistic expert later confirmed that the caller was likely operating from Africa—where many of these employment and check fraud scams originate—but they rely on domestic networks to collect stolen funds.

 

How to Protect Yourself

With scammers becoming more sophisticated, job seekers must stay vigilant. Here’s how to protect yourself from employment fraud:

  • Verify the Employer: Research the company’s website, check LinkedIn for legitimate employees, and look up reviews on Glassdoor or the BBB.
  • Avoid Unusual Hiring Processes: Be wary of employers who conduct entire interviews via text or email with no video calls.
  • Never Share Sensitive Information: Avoid providing banking details, Social Security numbers, or copies of personal documents unless you've confirmed the legitimacy of the employer.
  • Consult Scam Databases: Check with resources like the BBB Scam Tracker (https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker) to see if others have reported similar fraud attempts.
     

Final Thoughts

For Jennifer, the only loss was her time. But for many others, these scams result in stolen identities, emptied bank accounts, and financial hardship. As job seekers navigate an increasingly digital hiring landscape, staying informed and cautious is the best defense against fraud.

 

If you're looking for legitimate job opportunities, research every offer thoroughly—and if something feels off, trust your instincts. Have you encountered a job scam before? Share your experience in the comments to help others stay safe.

 

For more consumer protection insights and trusted business recommendations, visitTrustDALE.com.