Don’t Get Schooled by a Job Scam

You’re scrolling through your inbox when it pops up: “Congrats! You’re hired.”

The pay is amazing, the job is remote, and the hours are flexible. All they need is your bank account info to get started. But before you celebrate landing a role you don’t remember applying for, take a minute to pause.

This is how job scams happen, and scammers are getting better at making job offers look real. Every year, thousands of people fall for job and internship scams that drain their money, steal their identity, or worse. Whether you’re job hunting after graduation, seeking summer work, or exploring remote positions, here’s how to stay one step ahead.

How Job Scams Work

Fraudsters know how to push your buttons. They’ll dangle a job offer that looks irresistible: good pay, great benefits, minimal effort. They may impersonate real companies or government agencies and say you’ve been “pre-selected” or “fast-tracked” for a role. But behind the obsequiousness is a trap.

1. It starts with flattery. They find you through job boards, social posts, or send you a message from a “recruiter.” They say something like:

“You’re exactly what we’re looking for!”

“We found your résumé online.”

“You’ve been selected!” (Spoiler alert: You haven’t.)

The message feels like a win, but it’s often bait. Real recruiters don’t usually offer jobs without a proper process.

2. The interview is…sketchy or nonexistent. If there’s an interview at all, it’s rushed. Instead of a professional Zoom call or detailed questions, they might send you a quick chat interview or a generic email saying, “Congrats, you’re hired!” The job description is often vague, promising easy money for minimal effort; something like, “get paid to manage emails” or “earn $500 a day from home.”
3. They send you a check. Classic red flag. You receive a check, often for a large amount, and are told to use it to buy supplies or send money to a vendor. You think you’re helping your new boss.
4. They ask you for your personal info. Before you’ve even signed a contract, they’re asking you for sensitive information: Social Security number (SSN), bank account info, or a copy of your driver's license. They claim it’s for payroll or a background check. In reality, they’re collecting data to steal your identity or commit fraud.
5. You’re left holding the (empty) bag. The job never existed. Your money has vanished. Your personal info? Compromised. Now you’re stuck untangling the mess, reporting fraud, freezing your credit, and trying to undo the damage.

Here are just a few common job scam examples:

The Check-Cashing Gig

You’re “hired” as a mystery shopper or assistant. A check shows up in your mailbox with instructions to deposit it and send part of the funds back to your new boss or vendor. But the check? It’s fake, and once it bounces, you're stuck footing the bill.

The “Too Good to Be True” Internship

A scammer posts a remote internship opportunity on social media or a job board that promises flexible hours, high pay, and minimum work. Once you respond, they ask for your personal info or request payment for “training materials.”

The Fake Recruiter

A scammer pretending to be from a real company reaches out via text or email. Everything seems valid until they ask for your Social Security number, a copy of your ID, or your banking details to “set up direct deposit.”

How to Avoid Job Scams

You can pursue new opportunities and protect your peace of mind. Here’s how to stay one step ahead:

• Apply through trusted job boards or company sites. Never accept job offers through DMs alone. If you didn’t apply, it’s probably a trap. Real employers don’t randomly offer jobs to people they haven’t vetted.
• Check the recruiter’s credentials. Real recruiters have company emails and a digital footprint (check their LinkedIn profile). A Gmail, Yahoo, or other personal email is a major red flag.
• Research before you respond. Look up the company’s official website and contact them directly to confirm the job offer. You can also do a web search using the company name plus “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.”
• Don’t trust unexpected checks. Especially if you’re asked to deposit the check and send money elsewhere. This is textbook scam behavior.
• Don’t pay to get hired. Legitimate employers don’t ask for money upfront.
• Guard your personal info. Don’t give out your SSN, bank details, or ID to anyone you haven’t met or verified.

If You Got Scammed, Don’t Panic

Remember, scammers are professionals. If you’ve been tricked, you’re not alone, and it’s not your fault. Don’t panic, but it’s important to take action quickly.

1. Cut off communication with the scammer immediately.
2. Contact PSECU at 237.7328 or other credit union, bank, or card provider to report the incident.
3. Lock your debit or credit cards to prevent further fraudulent transactions. You can do this in digital banking.
4. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov, the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov, and your school’s career center or job board, if applicable.
5. Place a fraud alert on your credit report:

Experian: 888.397.3742

TransUnion: 800.680.7289

Equifax: 800.525.6285

Fraud Doesn’t Take a Break, Neither Do We

Finding the right job can feel overwhelming, and scammers are counting on that. But with a little caution, you can steer clear of shady offers and focus on real ones.

We’re here to help you protect your money and your future. To stay up-to-date with the latest scam alerts, tips, and tricks, visit our Fraud page.