A growing employment scam is tricking job seekers into losing money through fake job offers. Here’s how these criminals operate, who they target, and how you can protect yourself today.
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What Happened?
BBB officials said criminals are pretending to be recruiters and hiring managers from legitimate companies. They contact job seekers through text messages, phone calls, or emails and offer fake jobs that do not exist.
The warning was shared on June 1, 2026. BBB said recent college graduates and people entering the workforce are among the most common targets.
Who Is Being Targeted and What Are Victims Losing?
According to BBB data, more than 45,000 employment scam encounters were reported between 2023 and 2025.
Reported cases increased significantly:
- 10,348 reports in 2023
- 11,748 reports in 2024
- 23,234 reports in 2025
BBB said the median financial loss reported by victims was:
- $2,000 in 2023
- $1,500 in 2024
- $1,000 in 2025
The organization did not report a data breach or data leak. Instead, people lost money after responding to fake job offers or sending money to criminals posing as employers.
Many job seekers trust these messages because they believe the recruiter found their contact information through a resume they posted online.
That matters because scammers often use personal details to make fake opportunities seem legitimate. A convincing message can make someone act before taking time to verify the offer.
It is also worth remembering that your personal information may already appear in data breaches or data leaks you have never heard about.
Combined with details from your resume, that information can help scammers create more convincing emails, texts, and phone calls that appear to come from legitimate employers.
If you are not sure whether your information was leaked somewhere online, automatic monitoring can help you spot problems earlier.
Futureproof monitors your email 24/7 for data leaks and gives clear steps to secure your account from scams.
How the Employment Scam Works
BBB said the first contact often comes through a text message or phone call.
In some cases, victims receive a link that downloads malware (harmful software that can steal information or damage a device).
In other cases, criminals offer a job immediately without conducting a real interview. Some fake jobs promise payment for liking videos, subscribing to channels, or completing simple online tasks.
Criminals may later tell victims to pay fees, taxes, or other charges before allowing them to receive their earnings. Legitimate employers do not require workers to pay money to access wages they have already earned.
Futureproof monitors your information for data leaks 24/7 and guides you with clear steps to keep it safer from scams.
Run a free checkWhat This Warning Means for Your Job Search
Many people expect fraud attempts to be easy to spot. In reality, fake job offers often look professional and may even appear to come from well-known companies.
Job searches create an opportunity for criminals because people expect to receive calls, texts, and emails from potential employers. That can make a fake offer seem real.
Job and employment scams remain one of the most commonly reported types of fraud in the United States. According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported losing more than $15.9 billion to fraud in 2025, including losses linked to employment scams.
If someone offers a job without a proper interview or asks for money before you start working, treat it as a warning sign.
3 Simple Ways to Avoid Fake Job Offers
These simple habits can help you avoid employment fraud:
1. Check every job offer independently
A text message or email may look real, but criminals often copy real company names and logos.
Visit the company’s official website and look for the job posting yourself. If you cannot find it, contact the company directly before responding.
2. Never pay to receive your earnings
Some fake employers claim you must pay taxes, processing fees, or account charges before receiving payment.
Legitimate employers do not ask workers to send money first. If someone requests payment before you can access your earnings, stop communicating with them.
3. Be cautious of jobs that seem unusually easy
Offers promising large amounts of money for liking videos, subscribing to channels, or completing simple online tasks are common warning signs.
Research the company carefully and look for independent reviews before accepting any position.
A Real Job Offer Doesn’t Cost You Money
Employment scams continue to grow because criminals target people actively seeking work.
Before responding to an unexpected job offer, take a few minutes to verify the company and confirm that the position actually exists.
A little extra caution can help you avoid losing money and keep your personal information out of the wrong hands.
At Futureproof, Kevin explains digital safety in simple words, with clear tips and zero fluff. He holds a degree in information technology and studies fraud trends to keep his tips up-to-date.
In his free time, Kevin plays with his cat, enjoys board-game nights, and hunts for New York’s best cinnamon rolls.
