The Fake Job Offer That Could Cost You Everything
Think you'd never fall for a fake job offer? Think again. The fastest-growing scam in America right now isn't about Nigerian princes or shady crypto—it's texts offering high-paying jobs for easy tasks. And as the job market tightens, younger job seekers are falling hard.
Business Insider reported that according to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost nearly $470 million to scam texts in 2024. While fake delivery notices topped the list, job offer scams were number two. These messages often impersonate companies like Temu, Amazon, or Target and promise thousands in exchange for simple tasks like rating products or boosting apps.
What makes these scams particularly dangerous is how realistic they seem. Many victims are asked to share personal information, Social Security numbers, IDs, even bank details, under the guise of onboarding. The twist? Some are even told to purchase office equipment with fake checks and send back the 'overpayment,' only to discover the checks bounce after their money is long gone.
The FTC's Kati Daffan says reported losses to job scams have tripled since 2020. Proofpoint's Selena Larson notes these scams thrive on emotional manipulation—excitement, urgency, and the fear of missing out on a rare opportunity.
And Gen Z is especially vulnerable. Between remote work expectations, a harsh job market, and a culture that handles everything by text, many don't think twice about engaging with a recruiter over a messaging app. As one expert put it, younger users 'just click, click, click.'
The rise of AI has made it even easier for scammers to craft realistic, mistake-free messages. Combine that with financial anxiety and a lack of coordinated enforcement, and you've got a scammer's dream scenario.
The best defense? Slow down. Research the offer. If a job pays in crypto, conducts interviews via text, or asks for money upfront—it's likely a scam. Real employers don't operate like that.The Fake Job Offer That Could Cost You Everything first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 5, 2025
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