BBB Scam Alert: New job scam interviews candidates via messaging app

Scammers love to bring back the good old employment scams whenever the economy threatens to dip. BBB Scam Tracker has gotten multiple reports of a new job scam twist that involves downloading a messaging app.

How the scam works

You receive a message from someone interested in hiring you. It might come through email, text, or even a social media platform. At first, this “recruiter” seems professional. They claim to have seen your resume on a job search site and want to interview you for a position. But first, you need to download a messaging app, such as Telegram.

Once you download the app, the “recruiter” will send you messages and ask you to complete a few interview questions. After giving you enthusiastic feedback, they will offer you a position with their company. That is followed by an official-looking contract to fill out and sign. After you sign, the scammer will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and banking information. They claim they need to add you to direct deposit payroll and other company systems. If you provide this sensitive information, you could easily become a victim of identity theft.

Some versions of this scam don’t end there. As a new hire, you are referred to a “training manager” who will help you set up your home office. This person sends you a check to buy a laptop and other office supplies. After depositing the check, your contact will say that you were overpaid and need to return a portion of what you deposited. However, the check is fake, and any funds you “return” to your new employer will be long gone.

In Georgia, applicants claim to have lost over $38,000 to these scams.

One victim in Atlanta told BBB Scam Tracker how they almost lost $1,950 to this con. “I was approached by a supposed recruiter… [My point of contact] interviewed me for three days. They finally sent a contract and a check to pay for the work materials. After I deposited it, they asked me to buy gift cards to pay for the materials.”

How to avoid employment scams

Research job offers first. Visit a company’s website and look up their contact information. Verify that the company exists and that the job posting is real before interacting with a stranger.

Do an internet search with the company’s name and the word “scam” to see if anyone has reported a fake job offer. Look on BBB.org to see any unresolved complaints or negative reviews.

Beware of jobs that involve receiving and returning money. Legitimate companies don’t generally send money to new employees before work is done. They certainly don’t ask you to return funds you’ve already been paid.

Be careful with your personal information. Never provide anyone with your personal information until you are sure you can trust them with it. Do all the necessary research before divulging anything personal. Never let someone pressure you into giving up your personal information because it’s a “now or never” offer.

Watch out for easy hires. If a company claims they want to hire you without meeting you virtually or in person. If they don’t conduct a job interview, you’re probably dealing with a scammer.

For more information

Read the BBB’s job scams study to learn more about employment scams and how to avoid them. You can also find good general information at BBB.org/AvoidScams.