Job offer scam checker
Fake recruiter scams have surged on LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Telegram. The pattern: an unexpected high-paying remote offer, fast interview by chat, then either a fake equipment check that bounces, an upfront payment for 'training', or a task scam where you 'rate apps' and then have to top up your account with your own crypto.
Treat the job offer as a scam if the recruiter contacts you out of the blue on WhatsApp or Telegram, the interview is text-only, the salary is well above market, the company asks for your ID, banking, or selfie before a contract, sends you a check to forward funds, or tells you to deposit your own money for 'tasks' or 'training'.
Step-by-step check
- 1
Verify the company independently
Type the company name into Google with the word 'careers' and open the listing directly from the official site. Compare the recruiter's email domain to the real corporate domain. A Gmail / Outlook / proton.me address claiming to recruit for a Fortune 500 is fake.
- 2
Refuse to move the interview to WhatsApp or Telegram
Real recruiters use LinkedIn, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or the company applicant tracking system. Any push to WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal early is a near-certain scam.
- 3
Insist on a live video interview
Scammers conduct entire 'interviews' over chat to avoid showing a face. If you can't get a live video call with someone whose LinkedIn matches the company, the offer isn't real.
- 4
Never accept a check to 'buy equipment'
The classic onboarding scam: they send a fake check, ask you to deposit it, buy equipment from a 'vendor' (their accomplice), and forward the rest. The check bounces a week later and the bank pulls the money from your account.
- 5
Never deposit your own money for 'tasks' or 'training'
Task scams (rate apps, hotel listings, products) always reach a step where your 'account is negative' and you must deposit crypto to unlock earnings. No real job ever requires the worker to pay in.
- 6
Hold back ID and banking until a real signed contract
Do not send your passport, driver's license, social-security number, or bank details before you have a verified offer letter from a verified company. Scammers harvest these for identity theft even if the 'job' goes nowhere.
- 7
Run the recruiter and company through GACS
Paste the recruiter's profile URL, the company name, any WhatsApp number, and any payment wallet into the GACS scam checker. A prior report is conclusive.
Red flags
- Unexpected high-paying remote offer from someone you never spoke to.
- Interview is text-only on WhatsApp or Telegram.
- Company email is on Gmail, Outlook, or a recently-registered look-alike domain.
- Asked to deposit a check and forward part of the money.
- Asked to 'top up' an account, buy crypto, or complete paid 'tasks' to unlock pay.
- Pressure to send your ID, selfie, or bank login before a signed contract.
What to do next
- ✓Do not send ID, banking, selfie, or money. Block and report.
- ✓Report the recruiter to LinkedIn, the platform you were contacted on, and GACS.
- ✓If a check has already cleared, call your bank — funds will be clawed back; do not spend them.
FAQ
Why are job scams so common on LinkedIn right now?
LinkedIn is the highest-trust hiring platform, which is exactly why scammers impersonate recruiters there. They copy real recruiter profiles, message thousands of candidates, and use the platform's credibility to move people to WhatsApp.
What is a 'task scam' job?
You're told you'll earn money by completing simple online tasks (rate hotels, like products, review apps). The dashboard shows earnings climbing, then the system tells you your account is negative and you must deposit crypto to continue. All deposits are stolen.
Is it safe to send my resume?
A resume alone is usually safe, but treat any request for your address, DOB, SSN, passport, driver's license, or bank details before a signed contract as identity-theft fishing.
What if I already deposited money or sent ID?
Call your bank immediately, freeze affected accounts, and place a fraud alert on your credit. Save every screenshot, contract draft, wallet address, and chat thread, then report to GACS and to the national fraud line.