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BBB Scam Alert: Employment scams

Employment scams continue to be one of the most common types of scams around. BBB has tips to help you spot the different types of job scams.

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Job scams are increasingly common and can take on many different forms.

Whether or not you are searching for a job, you can encounter an employment scam. Before you schedule an interview or accept a new job, always do your research. 

Job scammers are becoming more and more sophisticated. They can convincingly claim to represent real employers, require interviews, and even provide phony offer letters. Understanding how these scams work is the first step in protecting yourself.

Below are some of the most reported job scam tactics: work from home scams, HR impostors and recruiting scams, and online scams, along with tips on how to avoid job scams.

   

What you'll learn:

  • What are the different types of job scams and how do they work?
  • How can you spot and avoid job scams?
  • Where can you report job scams?

Work-from-home and easy money scams

These are exciting times
Reshipping jobs

Scammers hire you to receive and re-ship packages. Victims never get paid, and the work may involve stolen goods.

Learn more about reshipping scams
Online shopping concept; Three colorful paper shopping bags on notebook keyboard. E-commerce is the purchase of products and services on the internet can purchase goods or services foreign country.; Three colorful paper shopping bags on notebook keyboard.
Mystery shopper jobs

Fake assignments ask you to deposit a check and wire back money, leaving you on the hook for the loss.

Avoid mystery shopper scams
pyramid scheme in the hands of a fraudster. The concept of exchange in financial markets is the collapse of the financial system of capitalism.
Pyramid schemes

Some work-from-home offers ask you to recruit others or pay upfront fees to “earn money,” but the focus is on recruitment rather than real products or services.

Learn more about pyramid schemes

HR impostor and recruiting scams

Online application form for modish registration
HR rep impostors

Fraudsters pretend to be representatives from real companies, sending fake job offers to steal personal info.

Learn more about fake HR reps
Thoughtful millennial biracial man in eyeglasses stack with hard task.
Recruiting firm impostors

Scammers pretending to be fro recruiting firms promise interviews or guaranteed jobs, but lead to phishing links.

How to avoid recruiting firm impostors

Online scams

Young man using laptop with female student watching and smiling
College student job scams

Offers for tutoring, assistant roles, or campus jobs that require upfront payment or personal info.

Beware student job scams
Top view of woman sitting on floor and using laptop job search. Online recruitment career business company concept
Messaging app scams

Fraudsters recruit through WhatsApp, Telegram, or similar platforms to lure victims into fake roles.

Learn about messaging app scams
Businessman Reading A Resume On Digital Tablet To Hire Correct Personnel
Resume formatting scams

If you are asked to pay to reformat your resume for a company's applicant tracking system (ATS) during your job search, think twice before you agree. 

Avoid resume scams

How to avoid employment scams

No matter what form a job scam takes, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. BBB recommends doing your research, asking questions, and watching for red flags before moving forward with any opportunity. Use the tips below to stay informed and avoid falling for employment scams.

Verify job postings on job boards.

If you see a job listing on social media or a third-party site, confirm the position exists by visiting the company’s official website.

Research the recruiter.

Look up names on LinkedIn or the company’s staff directory. Watch for profiles with very few connections, generic photos, or incomplete details.

Protect your personal information.

Don’t share your Social Security number, banking details, or copies of IDs until you have verified the employer and completed a legitimate hiring process.

Trust your instincts.

 If the job sounds too good to be true, promises high pay for little work, or pushes you to act quickly, walk away.