Job offer texts: what they say, how to spot it, what to do

What they say

These are typical approaches, written as examples. The wording and claimed sender can change.

• “We found your profile. Earn money by rating products on your phone.”
• “Finish this task set, then deposit money to unlock your commission.”
• “Your remote job is approved. Buy equipment with this check first.”

How to spot it

• A recruiter offers a job before any real application or interview.
• You must deposit funds, buy cryptocurrency or pay a fee to get paid.
• The work platform shows earnings that cannot be withdrawn without another payment.

What to do now

1. Stop before paying, depositing a check or sharing identity documents. A task screen with an earnings balance is not proof of a real job. Do not let a small early payment decide whether to trust a larger demand.
2. Find the employer’s genuine careers site independently and check whether the role exists. Contact the organization through its published details, not the recruiter’s link or private chat handle.
3. Keep the offer and payment instructions, then report the text to 7726 if your carrier supports it. Report the account on the messaging or job platform. Do not continue tasks just to recover money already deposited.

If you already paid or shared details

1. If you deposited a check and sent money onward, tell your bank immediately. Explain both parts of the transaction even if funds appeared available. Ask what to do before spending any remaining balance.
2. If you paid to unlock tasks, contact your bank, card issuer or exchange promptly. If you shared identity documents, use IdentityTheft.gov and secure any account password reused on the fake work platform.

Contact the bank, card issuer or payment provider promptly and ask whether the payment can be stopped or reversed. Recovery is not guaranteed. Change exposed passwords through the genuine service. Keep receipts and messages privately for your report.

Report the attempt at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For internet-enabled fraud, also use the FBI’s IC3. If identity details were exposed, start at IdentityTheft.gov.

Sources

• FTC: job scams
• FTC: unexpected texts and reporting
• FTC: what to do if you were scammed

Questions people ask

Should I pay a deposit to release my task earnings?

Do not send money to get paid for a job. Stop using the platform and preserve the payment demands for your report.

Does a familiar recruiter name make the text genuine?

Verify the person and role through the employer’s genuine site. A name, logo or detailed job description in a message is not independent verification.