Spot and handle job scams

Recognise the common patterns, check a message with evidence, and know where to report.

Who this is for: You received a job offer or message that feels too good, too fast or unusual.
You will have: A clear decision — continue, verify more, or stop — and a report if needed.
Time: 10–15 minutes

Before you start

The full message or posting
The sender's e-mail address and any links (don't open unknown links)

Steps

Pause before you reply or pay
Legitimate employers don't charge you to get a job, don't send checks to deposit and return, and don't ask for gift cards or crypto.
Check the message with evidence
Paste it into JoRoute's checker. It shows warning signs with the exact text that triggered them, what is still unknown, and its limits.
Verify the employer independently
Find the company's official website yourself and look for the role on its careers page. Contact them using details from that site, not from the message.
Protect sensitive data
Share your Social Security number or bank details only after a verified, written offer through the employer's official process.
Report and warn
If it looks like a scam, report it to the FTC and stop contact. If you sent money or data, act quickly with your bank and the relevant services.

Example

Separating facts from risk signs:

Fact: sender uses a free e-mail address. Risk sign: asks for a $90 training fee. Unknown: whether the company exists. Action: stop, verify on the official site, report.

Illustrative example — invented for this guide. A risk sign is not proof that a specific company is fraudulent.

Scam check list

Select the text and copy it

[ ] Asked to pay, buy equipment or deposit a check?
[ ] Contact only by chat app or personal e-mail?
[ ] Hired without an interview?
[ ] Asked for SSN / bank details before a written offer?
[ ] Role found on the company's official site? yes / no
[ ] Decision: continue / verify more / stop and report

Common mistakes

Opening links from unknown senders
Treating 'not found' as proof of a scam — or as proof it's safe
Feeling embarrassed and not reporting

Free resources

Job Scams — Federal Trade Commission, checked 2026-10-13
ReportFraud.ftc.gov — Federal Trade Commission, checked 2026-10-13

JoRoute tools for this

Next step

Practical steps for your situation.

See all guides

Limits

Risk levels are not legal findings; they never prove a company is or isn't fraudulent.

Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources were opened and checked on the dates shown.