October 16, 2025

A Free Public Service

Attribution: California Gov.

SCAMSBULLETIN Host Jay White is an inacvtive attorney in San Mateo County, USA.

EMPLOYMENT SCAMS

Every source contacted for this article — from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) — reported a rise in employment scams.

In some cases, the goal is simply to gain your personal information. You’re told you got the job, so you fill out paperwork that includes your Social Security number and your bank account info for direct deposit.

More elaborate scams can involve bogus payments. Some scams, for example, ask would-be employees to pay for training or useless certifications. Others pay new staffers a bonus (with a check that will eventually bounce), then ask for money back due to “overpayment,” the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports. Scammers might also request money to cover shipment costs for job-related equipment.

How to stay safe: Remember that just because ads appear on reputable platforms such as LinkedIn and indeed, it doesn’t mean they’re genuine.

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