Fake Job Offer Scam

A recruiter offers a remote job with little to no interview, then asks the "new hire" to pay for training materials, equipment, or a background check upfront, or to deposit a check and wire back the difference.

A scammer posts an appealing remote job listing or messages candidates directly, offering a position with little to no real interview process. Once "hired," the victim is asked to pay upfront for training materials, equipment, or a background check, or is sent a check to deposit with instructions to use part of it to purchase equipment from a specific vendor and wire back the remainder — with the original check later bouncing and leaving the victim responsible for the full amount and out any money they wired.

• A job offer arrives with minimal or no real interview.
• A request to pay for training, equipment, or a background check upfront.
• Instructions to deposit a check and wire back a portion of it.
• Communication happens only through chat or personal email, never a verifiable company account.

• Be suspicious of any job offer that skips a real interview process.
• Never pay upfront for equipment, training, or a background check.
• Research the company independently, including looking for a real office and other employees.
• Never deposit a check and wire money back to an "employer."