Fake Job Offers
If your phone has been lighting up with texts offering you too-good-to-be-true job opportunities, you’re not alone — and you’re not imagining it either. Scammers have found a new sweet spot in the form of job offer texts, and they’re targeting people across the country in growing numbers. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), many of these messages are not coming from real companies. They’re part of a widespread and increasingly sophisticated fraud operation that’s costing people millions.
A Growing Crisis
The numbers paint a troubling picture. In 2023, Americans reported losing $14.8 million to job scams by text. Just a year later, that number skyrocketed to a staggering $61.2 million. That’s more than a fourfold increase in a very short period of time.
What’s driving this surge? Experts say economic anxiety plays a major role. “During times of uncertainty — whether it’s high-profile layoffs, recession fears, or just a shaky job market — people become more receptive to new opportunities,” said a spokesperson from the FTC. Scammers know this and tailor their pitches accordingly, often posing as recruiters for well-known companies offering flexible, high-paying, remote roles.
How the Scam Works
These fraudulent job texts typically follow a simple but effective pattern. You receive a message out of the blue from someone claiming to be a recruiter. They offer you a remote job that pays well and requires minimal experience. They might mention companies you’ve heard of — sometimes even companies you’ve applied to in the past.
Once you respond, the scammer may move the conversation to email or a messaging app like Telegram or WhatsApp. From there, the “recruiter” might ask for personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account details, under the guise of setting up direct deposit or verifying your identity. In some cases, victims are tricked into purchasing equipment or software upfront, never to hear from the scammer again.
Why Now?
The spike in job text scams is part of a broader trend of cybercriminals exploiting economic fear and digital communication habits. With so many people now using their phones as their primary source of contact — from texts and emails to job boards and apps — scammers have a direct line to their targets, bypassing many traditional safeguards.
What’s more, artificial intelligence tools are making these scams harder to detect. Scam messages are often grammatically correct and convincingly personalized, reducing the usual red flags that help people recognize fraud.
How to Protect Yourself
-
Don’t respond to unsolicited job offers by text. If you didn’t apply for the job or don’t recognize the sender, it’s best to ignore or block the number.
-
Do your research. If a company name is mentioned, go directly to their official website or verified job portals to check if the role exists.
-
Never share sensitive information with unknown contacts. Legitimate employers will not ask for your Social Security number or banking info over text.
-
Be cautious of upfront payments. You should never have to pay to get a job, whether it’s for equipment, training, or “processing fees.”
-
Report suspicious activity. You can file a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Final Thoughts
In a digital world where our phones have become lifelines, scammers have adapted to meet us there. But by staying aware and cautious, you can protect yourself from becoming another statistic in the growing job text scam epidemic. When it comes to unsolicited job offers, remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
