Protect yourself as you move forward.

It might sound like: “You have been selected. Complete this form today.”

A copied logo, real employee name, or polished profile does not establish who sent a message. Urgency and an unexpected offer are reasons to pause, not proof by themselves.

Your next step: Find the employer’s website independently. Confirm the role and recruiter through a contact you found there before sharing documents or following instructions.

Official guidance: FTC: Job scammers are looking to hire you · FTC: Remote-job scams and identity theft

It might sound like: “Pay the processing fee now to secure your position.”

An employer demanding money for the promise of a job is a serious warning sign. Reimbursement promises do not make an unverified payment safe.

Your next step: Do not pay the sender. Optional career services, education, or genuine license fees are separate purchases: verify the provider, requirement, and written terms independently before considering them.

Official guidance: FTC: Job scams · FTC: Choosing a vocational school or certificate program

It might sound like: “Deposit this check, then pay our equipment supplier.”

A bank may show funds before discovering a check is fake. Sending part of the money on can leave you responsible when the check is rejected.

Your next step: Do not spend or forward suspicious check funds. If you deposited the check, contact your bank through a trusted channel and explain the sender’s instructions before moving any money.

Official guidance: FTC: Fake check scams

It might sound like: “Add crypto to clear your balance and withdraw your earnings.”

Task scams display supposed earnings and may provide a small initial payout before demanding your money. The balance on the screen does not prove that funds exist.

Your next step: Stop paying or completing deposits. Save messages and transaction details. Do not send another payment to recover earlier money or to unlock a withdrawal.

Official guidance: FTC: How to spot and avoid task scams

It might sound like: “Receive packages at home,” or “Use your account to process payments.”

Reshipping scams can involve stolen goods. Payment-processing offers can recruit people to move criminal funds through their own bank accounts. A commission or impressive title does not remove those risks.

Your next step: Decline the transfer instructions. If you have already participated, stop, preserve the records, and contact your bank and appropriate authorities.

Official guidance: FTC: Signs of a reshipping scam · FBI: Money mules

It might sound like: “Send your ID, Social Security number, and bank details to start the interview.”

Real onboarding may require sensitive information, but an unverified contact should not receive it. An unfamiliar form or account link can be used to steal information.

Your next step: Confirm the employer, purpose, timing, and authorized submission method independently. Keep identity documents and banking details off a general résumé. Never share account passwords or sign-in codes.

Official guidance: FTC: Job scammers are looking to hire you · FTC: Recognize and avoid phishing scams

It might sound like: “Buy this course today and we guarantee a high-paying job.”

Legitimate education and coaching can cost money, but a persuasive sales pitch does not establish value or a job outcome. Conditions may make a placement promise much narrower than it sounds.

Your next step: Check credentials, total costs, written refund terms, and actual outcomes. Ask employers whether they recognize the training. Compare free or lower-cost options and take time away from the sales call.

Official guidance: FTC: Choosing a vocational school or certificate program

It might sound like: “Your résumé is ready—enter your card to download it.”

A trial or small initial payment may start an ongoing subscription. Automatic renewals, preselected extras, and difficult cancellation can drain a tight budget.

Your next step: Read the full price, billing frequency, cancellation method, and deadline before entering a card. Save the terms and set a reminder if you choose to subscribe. Check statements and retain cancellation confirmation.

Official guidance: FTC: Free trials, auto-renewals, and subscriptions

It might sound like: “Pay us to release your unemployment benefits immediately.”

Fake agency sites and messages can collect identity information or money. A logo or claim of guaranteed approval does not establish government authority.

Your next step: Start with an official agency directory and verify requests directly. Real agencies may use authorized identity checks; confirm the process with the agency. Investigate notices about claims you did not make through verified agency contacts.

Official guidance: FTC: Fake unemployment benefits websites · FTC: Unemployment benefits you did not file for

It might sound like: “We found your stolen funds. Pay this fee to release them.”

A second scam can target the hope of recovering a first loss. A stranger may impersonate a government agency, law firm, or recovery specialist.

Your next step: Do not pay an unexpected contact or share more information to unlock a refund. Contact your original payment provider directly and use official reporting channels. No one can guarantee recovery.

Official guidance: FTC: Refund and recovery scams