Unsolicited job offer fraud is a scam where fraudsters, posing as legitimate recruiters or companies, contact individuals with fake job opportunities via email, text, or social media to steal personal information or money. Often featuring high pay for little work, these scams typically involve requesting advance payments for equipment or training, or asking for sensitive financial data, such as bank account or Social Security numbers.
Warning Signs of Unsolicited Job Offer Fraud
Unsolicited Offers
- You receive a job offer for a job that you never applied for
- The "employer" personally reaches out to you (usually via email, text, chat apps, or social media)
Too Good to Be True
- Guaranteed high income for low effort and minimal hours
Sense of Urgency
- The "employer" gives a sense of urgency. They may pressure you to make a decision quickly.
Vague Details
- The job description is unclear, and the company is difficult to verify
Immediate Actions if Scammed
Cease Communication!
- Stop communicating immediately. Block the sender immediately on all platforms.
Contact Your Bank!
- If you shared financial details or deposited a check, notify your financial institution immediately.
Report It!
- File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTD), or
- FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), or
- Local Law Enforcement
- phish@appstate.edu - If the message was sent to your appstate.edu email address
Protect Your Identity!
- If you shared your Social Security number, visit IdentityTheft.gov to create a recovery plan.