How to Spot a Fake Job Posting: 9 Red Flags and What to Do

Nine red flags

• You are asked to pay for training, equipment, a uniform or a "registration fee" before starting.
• The employer sends you a check and asks you to send part of the money back or buy gift cards.
• The pay is far above the normal range for the work, with no experience needed.
• You get a job offer without any interview or conversation.
• Communication happens only through messaging apps, never by phone or in person.
• The recruiter uses a free email address and cannot name a real business address.
• You are asked for your Social Security number or bank details before a formal offer.
• The job description is vague about what the work actually is.
• You are pressured to decide immediately.

How the fake check scam works

The "employer" mails or deposits a check, asks you to keep part as pay and send the rest to a "supplier". Days later the check bounces, and you owe the bank the full amount. A real employer never asks you to forward money.

What to do if something feels wrong

Stop communicating, do not send money, and do not share documents. Search the company name together with words like "scam" or "reviews". If you already shared information, contact your bank and monitor your accounts.

Report job scams to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you see a suspicious listing on Work4You, contact our support team and we will review and remove it.

Before you reply: 60-second check

• Did they ask you to pay for anything (training, equipment, a “background check”, a uniform)? Stop.
• Is the pay far above similar listings with no clear duties? Compare with the category page.
• Do they refuse a phone call or video call and only use chat apps?
• Did they offer the job without any interview?
• Are they asking for your SSN, bank login or a photo of your ID before an offer in writing?
• Did they send you a check and ask you to send part of the money back? This is a classic fake-check scam.

Questions to ask a suspicious employer

What is the full legal name and address of the business?
Who will be my direct supervisor, and can we talk by phone before I start?
What is the hourly rate or salary, and how is it paid?
Can you send the job offer and pay terms in writing?

If you already sent money or data

• Contact your bank or payment app right away and ask to stop or reverse the payment.
• If you shared your SSN, visit IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.
• Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov — reports help law enforcement.
• Report the listing to Work4You through the Contact page so we can remove it.