Work-from-Home Scam

Convinced you can earn thousands a month with barely any time or effort? That’s exactly the mindset this scammer is counting on. Rather than getting rich, you sink money into starter kits, “training,” and worthless certifications.

• Don’t be tempted by get-rich-quick schemes. They simply don’t exist.

Financial Information Scam

A would-be employer asks for your Social Security number and bank account details on the application — before you’re even hired — and just like that, your identity is exposed.

• Never provide this type of information prior to getting the job.
• Once you’re hired, a legitimate employer will need your Social Security Number for tax purposes and your bank account information if you’re being paid via direct deposit.

Head Hunter Scam

These fraudsters come to you with jobs that don’t exist, then bill you for their “services.”

• Don’t ever pay for the promise of a job. Keep in mind that real head hunters are paid by the companies that hire them—not by the job candidates.
• Always do independent research of a prospective employer.
• Be wary of unsolicited jobs.

Pyramid Scheme

This fraudulent setup gets you to pay to join, promising you’ll earn by recruiting others to do the same. In practice, only a handful at the very top make real money while everyone else loses out.

• Just say no. In addition to losing money, you’ll likely lose friends when you start trying to recruit them.

Government or Postal Job Scam

An ad promises a job with the federal government or the U.S. Postal Service if you’ll just pay a fee.

• Never respond to an ad like this.
• Real federal and Postal Service openings are free to apply for and listed online at USAJobs.gov and usps.com/employment.