job scams

The article outlines common job scams targeting unemployed individuals, emphasizing that most remote job postings for simple tasks are fraudulent. It highlights red flags such as unrequested job offers via email, interviews conducted solely via text or unverified platforms, and demands for upfront payments. Legitimate remote jobs typically require specialized skills and provide necessary equipment.

A user received a call from an unrecognized 900 number with a voicemail message about a job opportunity. The message omitted part of the content, leading the user to suspect a scam due to 900 numbers' association with premium fees. The user confirmed no legitimate companies were linked to the number online.

A Better Business Bureau study found reports of employment scams doubled in 2025. ABC7 I-Team issued a quick tip warning about the rise in job scams.

A user reports receiving frequent scam text messages offering fake job opportunities from Hotmail or Outlook email addresses, requiring recipients to be 25+ despite their own age being 21. The messages are described as frustrating and deceptive, with the user taking steps to block and report them but still experiencing weekly harassment.

A job seeker was asked to provide a government ID before an interview for a remote administrative position. The recruiter insisted on pre-employment verification with urgent deadlines, and the seeker discovered AI-generated images on the company's website using Truthscan. The seeker concluded it was a scam targeting personal information for identity theft.

A 2026 LinkedIn survey found 72% of job seekers sometimes question job postings' legitimacy before applying, citing rising job scams. The FTC reported $220M+ in losses from job scams in early 2024, prompting warnings to verify company details and avoid suspicious offers like 'free resume reviews' or 'too easy, high-pay' jobs.

Career coach Emily Worden recommends a 4-hour job-search strategy to avoid burnout in the worsening 2026 job market. She advises against applying to jobs all day, instead suggesting a structured schedule that includes avoiding morning email checks and using job alerts to maximize opportunities.

A 70-year-old gang member was sentenced to one year in prison for forcing two Thai women into prostitution in Hong Kong. The women were trafficked via job scams promising massage therapist positions in 2023.