BEFORE YOU TRUST A JOB OFFER — UNEMPLOYED.AI A personal review aid, not verification or a guarantee of safety. Sources checked October 24, 2026. U.S. resources. BEFORE YOU PAY OR SHARE SENSITIVE INFORMATION [ ] Find the employer or agency independently and confirm who is contacting you. [ ] Ask what the work or service involves, what it costs, and who pays whom. [ ] Pause requests to send money, forward funds, reship goods, or unlock earnings. [ ] Confirm why sensitive information is needed and how to submit it through a verified process. [ ] Read the written terms, keep a copy, and ask someone you trust for a second look before committing. IF YOU ALREADY SHARED INFORMATION OR PAID 1. Money sent or a check deposited Contact the bank or payment provider immediately through a trusted channel. Explain the suspected fraud and ask about stopping or reversing the transaction. If a check was deposited, do not move the funds on the sender’s instructions. Recovery is not guaranteed. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed 2. Passwords, identity details, or device access shared Change shared or reused passwords from a trusted device. If identity details were exposed but misuse is unknown, use IdentityTheft.gov/databreach for protective steps. If someone used them, report at IdentityTheft.gov. For suspicious software or remote access, follow the FTC’s device-recovery steps. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed 3. An unemployment claim you did not make Contact the state workforce agency using independently verified details, notify your employer, and report the identity theft. Keep confirmation numbers and notices. Do not use an unexpected message’s link to “fix” the claim. https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/02/got-letter-about-unemployment-benefits-you-didnt-file-thats-identity-theft 4. Save evidence and report the listing Keep messages, listing addresses, receipts, and transaction details. Report the account to the platform and suspected fraud to the FTC. Use official reporting channels rather than posting sensitive documents publicly. https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ 5. Protect yourself from a second scam Do not pay an unexpected contact who promises to recover lost money. Ask a trusted person to help you take the first recovery step. Being targeted is not a personal failure. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/refund-and-recovery-scams OFFICIAL SOURCES FTC: Job scams: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams FTC: Fake check scams: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-fake-check-scams FTC: How to spot and avoid task scams: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/08/how-spot-avoid-task-scams FBI: Money mules: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/common-frauds-and-scams/money-mules FTC: Recognize and avoid phishing scams: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-avoid-phishing-scams FTC: Choosing a vocational school or certificate program: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/choosing-vocational-school-or-certificate-program FTC: Free trials, auto-renewals, and subscriptions: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/getting-and-out-free-trials-auto-renewals-and-negative-option-subscriptions FTC: Fake unemployment benefits websites: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2021/03/scammers-reportedly-using-fake-unemployment-benefits-websites-phishing-lures FTC: Unemployment benefits you did not file for: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/02/got-letter-about-unemployment-benefits-you-didnt-file-thats-identity-theft FTC: What to do if you were scammed: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed FTC: Refund and recovery scams: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/refund-and-recovery-scams FTC: Identity theft reporting and recovery: https://www.identitytheft.gov/ FTC: Report fraud: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ FTC: Job scammers are looking to hire you: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/07/job-scammers-are-looking-hire-you FTC: Signs of a reshipping scam: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/12/can-you-unbox-signs-reshipping-scam FTC: Remote-job scams and identity theft: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/11/searching-job-work-remotely-avoid-scams-identity-theft FTC: Steps after personal information is exposed: https://www.identitytheft.gov/databreach More guidance: https://unemployed.ai/protect-yourself/ This checklist contains no personal information and does not contact anyone.