In brief: Do not send identity documents, bank details, or money because of an unexpected job text. First, find the employer’s official website yourself, confirm that the job exists, and contact the company through a number or address listed there. A real job offer may require tax and payment details later, but only after you have verified the employer and reached a secure onboarding process.
Fake recruiters often use the name of a real company. A polished logo, a professional-looking message, or a familiar brand does not prove that the person contacting you works there. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warned in 2026 about unexpected job texts that ask people to reply “YES” or “INTERESTED,” then steer them toward fake-check or task scams.
How can you check whether a job offer is real?
Use this process before you share personal information or accept a task:
- Pause before replying. Treat an unexpected text, WhatsApp message, or Telegram offer as unverified. Do not click its links or use its phone number to check the story.
- Find the company independently. Type the company’s known web address into your browser or search for its official careers page. Look for the exact job title and location. A scammer can copy a real job listing, so this is one check, not proof by itself.
- Contact the company through a trusted route. Use contact details from its official website, not details in the message. Ask whether the recruiter and vacancy are genuine.
- Check the recruiter’s identity. Confirm that the person uses a company email domain and that the company can verify their role. A matching email address can be forged or compromised, so confirm through a separate company contact when something feels wrong.
- Do not pay to get hired or paid. Stop if the recruiter asks you to buy equipment from a named seller, pay a fee, deposit a check and send money back, or put your own money into an online task.
- Share sensitive information only through verified onboarding. A real employer may need tax or payment details after hiring. Confirm the job and the secure onboarding system first. Do not send an ID or bank information in response to an unsolicited message.
Three job-scam warning signs
The recruiter offers pay but gives few job details
An unexpected message may promise high daily or weekly pay for vague “remote work,” without explaining duties, the employer, or a normal interview process. Scammers may copy real companies and job titles to make the pitch look credible. Verify the opening with the company before you continue.
You must pay money or return part of a check
In a fake-check scam, a recruiter sends a check and tells you to deposit it, buy equipment, or send some money to another person. A bank may show funds before it discovers that the check is fake. If that happens, the bank can remove the money from your account, while the money you sent may be difficult to recover. Do not deposit a job-related check and forward money without independently confirming the arrangement with the employer through an official contact.
The job pays you to like, rate, or boost items online
Task scams can start with small tasks and a promise of easy earnings. The operator later says you must deposit your own money to unlock more work or withdraw a balance. Do not pay to release wages or to continue a job task. The FTC says honest companies do not pay people to post positive ratings or likes.
What should you do if you replied or shared details?
Stop communicating with the sender. If you deposited a check or sent money, contact your bank using the number on your card or statement and explain what happened. If you shared a password or sign-in code, contact the affected account provider through its official app or website, change the password, and review account activity. If you shared an identity document, ask the relevant government or financial provider what protective steps are available in your country.
Save the messages and payment records. In the United States, report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Readers outside the United States should use their national consumer-protection or fraud-reporting service.
Frequently asked questions
Should I reply “YES” to an unexpected job text?
No. The FTC advises people not to engage with generic, unexpected job texts. Verify a real vacancy through the employer’s official website and contact channels.
Can a real employer ask for my bank details?
An employer may need payment or tax information during legitimate onboarding. Verify the employer and job first, then provide the information only through a secure, official process. A request in an unsolicited text is not a safe onboarding process.
What if a job check has cleared?
A check can appear in your balance before the bank confirms that it is valid. Do not send money from the check to a recruiter or seller. Call your bank using a trusted number and explain that the check came from a job offer.
Sources
- Federal Trade Commission: That job offer text is probably a scam
- Federal Trade Commission: Job scammers are looking to hire you
- Federal Trade Commission: How to spot the latest job scams
This article gives general consumer information. It is not legal, financial, or employment advice.
