Beware of unsolicited job offers by text message (Getty)
This article was updated on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, with new BBB Scam Tracker reports and examples of this job scam.
BBB Scam Tracker continues to receive multiple reports of job scams involving fake job offers from supposed HR reps from different companies.
What you'll learn:
- Common names and business names that are being used in job scams, according to BBB Scam Tracker reports.
- How job scams work and how to identify if you're being targeted by one.
- Tips for avoiding job scams and where to report them.
Consumers have reported to BBB Scam Tracker that they were contacted by people claiming to be HR reps or recruiters from various real companies, including Amazon, WBD Global Streaming, Aquent, Creative Niche, and Scion Staffing, with offers to apply for jobs. In an attempt to make these job scams more "humanized," scammers are impersonating real companies and using different names to seem more personal. Consumers have reported receiving these fake messages from names such as Rebecca Harris, Grace, Jasmine Martine, Linda Jackson, Megan Collins, Dorothy, and Olivia Grant.
These messages may promise remote working options as well as high salaries and big money-making opportunities.
How the scam works
At first, this “recruiter” seems professional. They claim to have seen your resume on a job search site and want to interview you for a position. But first, you need to message them on WhatsApp.
Typically, in scams such as these, once you begin messaging on WhatsApp, the “recruiter” will send you messages and ask you to complete a few interview questions. After giving you enthusiastic feedback, they will offer you a position with their company. That is followed by an official-looking contract to fill out and sign.
After you sign, the scammer will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and banking information, claiming they need to add you to direct deposit payroll and other company systems. If you provide this sensitive information, you could easily become a victim of identity theft.
Some versions of this scam don’t end there. As a new hire, you are referred to a “training manager” who will help you set up your home office. This person sends you a check to buy a laptop and other supplies. After depositing the check, your contact will say that you were overpaid and need to return a portion of what you deposited. However, the check is a fake, and any funds you “return” to your new employer will be long gone.
In a BBB Scam Tracker report, consumers shared receiving this message, "Hi, I'm Rebecca Harris from Klarna. Your background and resume have been recommended by multiple online recruitment agencies. Therefore, we would like to offer you a great remote online part-time job to help merchants update their data, increase visibility and bookings, and provide you with free training. Flexible part-time and full-time jobs, allowing you to work 60 to 90 minutes a day, 5 days a week, and earn extra income on weekends. You can work anytime, anywhere according to your schedule and earn $200 to $500 a day. The basic salary is $2,000+ per week. Paid annual leave: In addition to maternity leave, paternity leave and other statutory holidays, ordinary employees have 15-20 days of paid annual leave. If you want to join us, please contact us via WhatsApp:+19784139678 (Note: You must be 25 years old or older)."
In another scam attempt, consumers shared receiving the following message: Hi, I'm a recruiter at Kelly Services (US) , my name is Lesley. Your background and resume have been recommended by multiple online recruitment agencies. Therefore, we would like to offer you a great remote online part-time job to help update app store data, increase app views and downloads, and provide you with free training. Flexible part-time and full-time work, allowing you to work 60 to 90 minutes a day, 4 days a week, and earn extra income on weekends. You can work anytime and anywhere according to your schedule and earn $250 to $500 a day. The basic salary is $1,000 per 4 days of work. Paid annual leave: In addition to maternity leave, paternity leave and other statutory holidays, ordinary employees also enjoy 15-20 days of paid annual leave. The company currently has 50 vacancies, if you want to join us, please send a text message to 2133707845 for more information (Note: You must be at least 25 years old)."
How to avoid employment scams:
- Research job offers first. Visit a company’s website and look up its contact information. Verify the company exists and the job posting is real before you interact with a stranger. Do an internet search with the company’s name and the word “scam” to see if anyone has reported a fake job offer. Sometimes, these scammers are impersonating real businesses. Look on BBB.org to see any unresolved complaints or negative reviews.
- Beware of jobs that involve receiving and returning money. Legitimate companies don’t generally send money to new employees before work is done. They certainly don’t ask you to return funds that you’ve already been paid.
- Be careful with your personal information. Never provide anyone with your personal information until you are sure you can trust them with it. Do all the necessary research before divulging anything personal. Never let someone pressure you into giving up your personal information because it’s a “now or never” offer.
- Watch out for easy hires. If a company claims they want to hire you without meeting you either virtually or in person, and if they don’t conduct a job interview, you’re probably dealing with a scammer.
For more information
Learn more about impersonation scams.
Read how to spot an employment scam, no matter how sophisticated.
BBB Serving Canton Region and Greater West Virginia contributed this article.