Job Offer Scams
Fake remote jobs that pay you with a bad check, ask you to buy supplies, or use you to move money.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
A scammer offers an easy, well-paid remote job. Then they send a check to 'buy equipment' and ask you to send part of it back, or have you receive and reship packages. The check later bounces, leaving you responsible for the money.
What it usually looks like
- A job offer with little or no interview and high pay.
- You are sent a check and told to buy supplies from a specific vendor.
- You are asked to forward money or reship packages.
Common warning signs
- You are hired almost instantly with no real interview.
- You receive a check and are asked to send money back.
- Communication is only by text or chat app.
Example wording scammers use
“Congratulations! Deposit this $2,850 check, keep $500, and send the rest to our equipment supplier.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Your own money once the fake check bounces.
- Your bank details or identity documents.
- To use you to move stolen goods or money.
What to do
- Never accept a job that pays you with a check you must partly send back.
- Do not deposit checks from strangers or buy supplies to be reimbursed.
- Research the company independently.
What to do if you already responded
- Contact your bank right away if you deposited a check and sent money.
- Stop all contact with the 'employer'.
- Report it to the FTC and the platform where you found the job.