Greg's Corner

When the Job Interview Is a Scam

By Greg Collier

When Megan from Phoenix applied for a remote data-entry position, the response came fast, almost too fast.

Within a day, a “recruiter” from a well-known tech company messaged her on Telegram. The offer sounded perfect: flexible hours, $30 an hour, work-from-home. After a quick “interview,” Megan was hired, but first, she needed to buy office equipment through a vendor the recruiter provided. She sent $1,200 via Zelle. The next morning, both the recruiter and her money were gone.

How the Scam Works:

Scammers have discovered a new way to exploit job seekers: fake interviews.

They impersonate legitimate companies using stolen logos, cloned email addresses, and messaging apps.

Here’s the typical pattern:

• Job posting: They post on reputable boards or LinkedIn with appealing remote roles.
• Quick contact: Applicants receive direct messages or emails to move the process off the platform.
• “Interview” over chat: The scammer asks for basic info, then claims to have “approved” the applicant within minutes.
• Equipment or onboarding fee: Victims are told to buy computers or software from a “preferred vendor.”
• Identity theft: Some ask for driver’s license or banking info for “direct deposit,” using it to steal identities.

Why It’s Effective:

• Remote work is in high demand; many expect virtual interviews.
• The scammers mimic professional HR tone and timing.
• They prey on urgency and excitement: “We’d like to hire you immediately.”
• Job seekers often want to appear agreeable, skipping verification steps.

Red Flags:

• Interviews that happen only via chat (Telegram, WhatsApp, Signal).
• Requests to buy anything or send money up front.
• Offers that arrive within hours of applying, with no phone or video contact.
• Emails sent from domains that look almost right (e.g., @amaz0n-jobs.com).
• Requests for personal information before any formal offer letter.

What To Do Instead:

• Verify the company contact: Check the real website’s Careers page or LinkedIn to confirm the recruiter exists.
• Use official channels: Apply only through verified company sites.
• Pause before paying: No legitimate employer will ever ask for money or equipment purchases before your first paycheck.
• Protect your data: Never send ID photos, SSN, or bank details until HR verification is complete.
• Report it: File complaints with the FTC and report fake job postings to the platform (LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.).

If You’ve Been Targeted:

• Contact your bank immediately and try to reverse the transfer.
• File a report with the FTC (ReportFraud.ftc.gov).
• Monitor credit reports for suspicious activity.
• Warn others by sharing the post or leaving a review on the fake job listing site.

Final Thoughts:

In today’s remote-first world, job hunting is easier and riskier than ever.

If an offer feels rushed or unusually generous, pause before you act.

A few extra minutes of verification can save you thousands and protect your identity.