Reshipping jobs
Scammers hire you to receive and re-ship packages. Victims never get paid, and the work may involve stolen goods.
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 and where to report them.
the most reported job scams
Work from home and easy money scams
Learn more about reshipping scams
Mystery shopper jobs
Fake assignments ask you to deposit a check and wire back money, leaving you on the hook for the loss.
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.
HR impostor and recruiting scams
HR rep impostors
Fraudsters pretend to be representatives from real companies, sending fake job offers to steal personal info.
Recruiting firm impostors
Scammers pretending to be from recruiting firms promise interviews or guaranteed jobs, but lead to phishing links.
Online scams
College student job scams
Offers for tutoring, assistant roles, or campus jobs that require upfront payment or personal info.
Messaging app scams
Fraudsters recruit through WhatsApp, Telegram, or similar platforms to lure victims into fake roles.
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.
protect yourself
How to avoid 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.
Where to report job scams
BBB Scam Tracker
Report job scams to BBB Scam Tracker, whether or not you lost money. Your report helps warn other job seekers.
Federal Trade Commission
In the US, you can also report employment scams to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
In Canada, report job scams to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
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