Is this work-from-home job offer a scam?
Fake employers may request fees, personal information, reshipping work, or money transfers before you ever meet anyone.
“You are hired as a remote assistant. We will email a check for your equipment. Deposit it and pay our approved supplier.”
Why this is suspicious
Real employers do not send new hires checks and direct them to forward part of the money. They also do not charge candidates for a job.
Warning signs
- You were hired without a real interview
- Communication uses a personal email or messaging app
- You must pay for equipment or training
- They send a check and tell you where to spend it
What to do next
- Do not deposit checks or pay fees
- Contact the company using its published website
- Verify that the recruiter works there
- Do not provide bank or identity documents until the job is confirmed
If you already clicked or paid
For guidance on what to do after a possible scam, visit the FTC’s recovery guide. It covers different situations, including payments and personal information.
Official source: FTC job scam guidance
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