Criminals behind employment scams prey on your desire for a better opportunity, whether you’re looking to make more money, find a better job, or make a career change. Scams can happen on job boards or criminals may pretend to be a recruiter and contact you, whether you are looking for a job or not.

Major consumer losses continue to climb

Online hiring and job boards have made employment scams more common. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), reported consumer losses from these types of scams have nearly tripled in recent years, totaling $501 million in losses for 2024, up from $90 million in 2020.

How employment scams work

Some scammers post jobs to well-known job boards, or you may receive an unexpected text message or email that reads something like this:

“We’ve reviewed your resume online and believe you are a great fit for this part-time, remote job ($75 per hour). Fully paid training. Laptop and equipment provided.”

The next steps may appear legitimate:

• Participate in a virtual job interview
• Receive an offer letter by email
• Receive a check for your laptop and equipment

Then, as part of the supposed hiring process, the scammer asks for sensitive personal information like your social security number and bank account information for payroll purposes. This is the real scam. Their goal is to gain access to your financial accounts and personal information to steal from you.

The check you received to deposit for your laptop and equipment will appear to clear at first, but days later your financial institution will confirm it was fraudulent. That will leave you responsible to pay the entire amount of the check, plus any fees. The criminals pay nothing.

How to protect yourself against employment scams

• Verify the recruiter or employer with an online search
• Go to the company’s website to find the job posting or call them to verify the open position
• Never give your social security number to anyone unless through a company-provided, secure, and encrypted portal
• Do not cash a check for an advance payment, equipment, or requests to buy gift cards and return unused funds

If a job offer seems too good to be true, especially if someone asks for money or personal information before you independently verify the employer, stop and investigate before proceeding.

Report the scam

If an email or text message as part of an employment scam does trick you, immediately contact the North Carolina Consumer Protection Division or file a complaint. Their job is to help hold scammers accountable.

Also, immediately call the Civic Fraud Team at 844-772-4842 if you are concerned about your Civic account information being compromised.