Job offer scams sent by text message are on the rise, and they’re catching people off guard with promises of easy, high-paying remote work. While these messages may look like they’re from legitimate companies, they’re actually scams designed to steal your money or personal information.
At Chambers Bank, we want to help you stay safe. Here’s what you need to know about how these scams work, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you spot one.
How the Scam Works
- Unsolicited Text: You receive a text message out of the blue, often from a number that looks like it's from a real company, offering an amazing remote job.
- "Too Good to Be True" Details: The text promises high wages or easy work, like liking and sharing content online.
- Request for Information or Payment: The scammers will ask for sensitive information (like your Social Security number, bank details, or a photo of your ID) or ask you to pay for "training" or "equipment" upfront.
- Fraudulent Activities: In some cases, they might try to get you to deposit fake checks and send money to a third party, use cryptocurrency, or purchase gift cards, which are all red flags for a scam.
How to Protect Yourself
- Do Not Engage: Don't click links, reply to, or engage with the sender in any way, as this can make you a target for more scams.
- Verify Independently: If you're interested, contact the company directly using a phone number or website you know is legitimate, not the information in the text message.
- Research the Company: Look up the company's official career page and search online for their name along with terms like "scam" or "complaint".
- Never Pay for a Job: A legitimate employer will never ask you to pay for a job or for required materials.
- Guard Personal Information: Be extremely cautious about sharing sensitive details like your driver's license, bank account number, or Social Security Number until after a legitimate job offer is accepted.
What to Do If You Spot a Scam
- Report to the FTC: Go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov to report the scam.
- Forward to 7726 (SPAM): Copy the scam message and forward it to 7726 to help your wireless provider block future messages.
- Block the Sender: Use your phone's settings or a call-blocking app to block the sender's number.
Stay Safe, Stay Aware
Job offer scams are designed to play on your hopes of finding flexible or remote work, but they’re nothing more than traps to steal your money and information. By staying alert and following these steps, you can protect yourself and your finances.