If you need a job, that text messaging offering a full- or part-time position you didn’t apply for might seem great. You might be thinking, why not check it out? Unfortunately, it’s likely a job scam.
Here’s how the scam might work. You get a text out of the blue from someone who says they’re a recruiter for a company. It might even look like the text is from a company you know. Either way, you didn’t apply for a job with that company. But the text asks you to reply with some personal or financial information or click a link. That’s probably a scam designed to steal your money or identity. Don’t click any links or respond to the text.
To avoid a job scam:
- Start your job search with sources you know are legit.
- Don’t click on links or respond to unexpected texts. If you think the text could be legit, contact the company using a web site or phone number you know is real — not the information in the text.
- Do some research. Search online for the name of the company and words like “review,” “scam” or “complaint.” If you can’t find the company online, steer clear.
- Block unwanted texts. Scammers send texts designed to get your attention. Some phone settings and call-blocking apps let you block a number.
If you spot a text scam, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and forward it to 7726 (SPAM), or use your phone’s report “junk” option to delete and report it.
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