Beware of Unsolicited Jobs

Beware of Unsolicited Job Offers — Many Are Scams

Getting offered a job feels great. Maybe you’ve been searching for a while, maybe you’re unhappy in your current role, or maybe you’re simply curious about new opportunities. And when a message from a “recruiter” lands in your inbox, it’s easy to think: It can’t hurt to talk to them, right?

Unfortunately, scammers know this. Real recruiters do reach out cold, which makes their tactics harder to spot. Scammers exploit that uncertainty by sending fake job offers designed to steal personal information, gain access to your accounts, or trick you into sending money.

Red flags to watch for:

The recruiter uses a free email address (Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook) instead of a company domain.

The message is vague about the company, role, or how they found you.

They rush you into interviews via text or messaging apps.

They offer unusually high pay for little work.

They ask for personal information—ID scans, bank details, Social Security number—before an official offer.

They request money for equipment, training, or “set-up costs.”

How to protect yourself:

Look up the company and confirm the recruiter actually works there.

Check the sender’s email domain and LinkedIn profile.

Ask for a formal job description and a proper interview.

Never send sensitive information before you’ve verified the offer.

If anything feels off, walk away—legitimate employers won’t pressure you.

Unsolicited job messages can be tempting, especially when you’re eager for change. But taking a minute to verify the sender can save you from losing money, personal data, or peace of mind.

Stay cautious, and trust your instincts.