Remote Job Safety Center
Verify the job before you share your information
Remote hiring happens online, which makes it easier for scammers to copy company names, logos, job descriptions, and employee identities. Slow down when money or personal information enters the conversation.
Warning signs
- An interview happens only by text or an encrypted messaging app.
- The recruiter uses a look-alike email domain or a free email address.
- You receive an offer before a real conversation.
- The pay is unusually high for simple work with no experience.
- You are asked to pay for training, equipment, software, or a background check.
- A check is sent with instructions to buy equipment or return part of the money.
What to verify
- Find the employer’s website independently.
- Locate the role on the official careers page.
- Confirm the recruiter’s email domain matches the company.
- Search the recruiter’s name and role without relying only on a profile they sent.
- Call a public company number if the process still feels wrong.
Protect personal information
A legitimate employer may need tax and banking information after you accept a real offer and enter a secure onboarding process. That is different from sending a Social Security number, bank login, identity document, or payment information during an early chat.
If you already responded
- Stop contact and do not send more money or information.
- Contact your bank or payment provider quickly if money moved.
- Change reused passwords.
- Save messages, names, email addresses, phone numbers, and receipts.
- Report the incident to the platform and the appropriate authorities.
Official reporting resources
The Federal Trade Commission explains common job scams and accepts fraud reports. The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center accepts reports involving internet-enabled crime.