That Dream Work-from-Home Job Might Be a Scam

If you’re looking for a job or know someone who is, be aware that scammers target job seekers. They post fake job openings on career websites and social media and send unsolicited texts or direct messages with amazing job offers. How can you tell which jobs are scams? We’ve got some pointers below.

Red flags to watch for when you’re job hunting:

1. Jobs that sound too good to be true. "Work online from home, flexible hours, great pay, no experience necessary!" Ignore job postings like this. They’re scams.
2. Job offers that come via random texts or social media DMs. As a rule, you should ignore and delete unexpected messages.
3. Any job that requires you to deposit your own money or cryptocurrency.
4. Jobs that require you to download and use a questionable "investment" app.
5. An employer who sends you a check (or emails you a picture of a check), asks you to use the funds to purchase equipment or services, and then requires you to send back the funds you didn’t use. The employer’s fraudulent check will bounce, but it can take up to 7 days for the receiving institution to confirm—which is exactly why scammers do this.
6. Anyone who asks you to purchase and send gift cards.
7. Jobs that require you to perform routine, click-based tasks to boost a company’s reputation.
8. Employers who want to pay off your credit cards so you have enough credit available to make purchases for the job—even if they provide you with routing and account numbers for paying off your card balances.

How to protect yourself:

• Before committing to a remote online job, do your research. Search online for the name of the company and words like “scam” or “complaint.” Look the company up on the Better Business Bureau’s website. Search for the name of the person who offered you the position.
• Examine websites and apps you’re told to use. Look for slight misspellings in the domain names and URLs. Beware of apps that try to mimic the look of legitimate apps.
• Never provide personal information (e.g., your Social Security Number) or financial information (e.g., your banking login info or account number) to someone you don’t know.
• Do not send a check, transfer funds or cryptocurrency, or pay any amount of money to a potential employer.
• If an employer sends you a check, do not call the phone number provided on the check or in an email to verify. That number will lead you back to the scammer.
• If you have any doubts about a job or an employer, talk to someone you trust.

And, remember: Redwood Credit Union’s Fraud team is here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and take action if you are the victim of a scam. Contact us anytime or visit your nearest RCU branch.