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  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 29, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , job scam, , ,   

    Job Offer Text Scams Are Back, and They’re Preying on Hope 

    By Greg Collier

    Scammers love one thing more than anything else: hope.

    And right now, there’s plenty of it to exploit.

    Millions of people are searching for better pay, flexible work, or a way out of a bad situation. That makes job seekers a perennial target, and once again, scammers are sliding straight into people’s phones with fake job offer text messages.

    If you’ve recently received a random text claiming to offer a cushy job from a major company you never applied to, you’re not lucky.

    You’re being sized up.

    The Hook: A Text Message Out of Nowhere

    According to warnings from the Federal Trade Commission, text-based job scams are surging. The latest version is deceptively simple:

    You get a text.
    Out of the blue.
    No application.
    No interview.
    No context.

    The message claims to be from:

    • A recruiter connected to a major job platform
    • Or a well-known brand with “dream job” energy

    Names like Netflix, Apple, or Spotify are common bait.

    The pitch sounds outstanding.

    • Remote work
    • Minimal effort
    • Extremely high pay
    • Flexible hours

    And somehow… they “found your number.”

    How the Scam Works

    Here’s the typical playbook, step by step:

    1. Unsolicited text arrives
      No prior contact. No résumé submission. No memory of applying.
    2. The job sounds absurdly easy
      Reviewing products for an hour a day.
      Listening to music for money.
      Testing apps from your couch. One documented scam was offering up to $400 a day for “remote product testing.”
      Another scam promised pay just for listening to Spotify tracks. None of it is real.
    3. You’re instantly “hired”
      Everyone gets the job. No interview required.
    4. They ask for sensitive information
      Bank details.
      Social Security number.
      Copies of IDs. Occasionally they even promise an advance paycheck, which conveniently requires your banking info first.
    5. The real theft begins
      Identity theft.
      Account takeovers.
      Drained bank balances. Or malware quietly installed on your device.

    What They’re Really After

    These scams aren’t about employment.

    They’re phishing operations.

    Once you engage, scammers push you into:

    • A fake application portal
    • A professional-looking email
    • Or an external messaging app like WhatsApp or iMessage

    That’s where they harvest the data they need to impersonate you, access your finances, or sell your information onward.

    Red Flags

    Some warning signs are old-school but still effective:

    • Typos or awkward wording
    • “Act now!” pressure
    • Links that almost match real companies (think Inedeed instead of Indeed)

    But job-text scams have some specific tells you should watch for:

    • You never applied for the job
    • The pay is wildly high for minimal work
    • The description is vague or suspiciously simple
    • You’re added to a group text where others hype the job
    • You’re told to continue the conversation on WhatsApp
    • The number has a foreign country code (+91, +63, etc.)
    • The recruiter uses a Gmail or Yahoo address
    • Googling the recruiter turns up nothing or scam warnings
    • You’re asked for personal info before any interview
    • You’re hired immediately with zero screening

    Legitimate employers don’t operate like this.

    Scammers do.

    “But Don’t Employers Text Now?”

    This is where confusion works in scammers’ favor.

    Yes, employers can text you.

    But there’s a huge difference between:

    • An employer you applied to
    • And a random recruiter texting you out of thin air

    Real companies:

    • Don’t hire via cold text
    • Don’t skip interviews
    • Don’t ask for banking info upfront

    If you didn’t initiate contact, skepticism is your best defense.

    If You’ve Been Targeted

    Simple rules:

    • Do not reply
    • Do not click links
    • Do not provide information

    Instead:

    • Block the number
    • Mark it as spam
    • Forward the message to 7726 (SPAM)
    • Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov

    Every report helps improve spam detection for the next potential victim.

    Final Thoughts

    Job scams don’t disappear when the economy improves.

    They adapt.

    As long as people are looking for work, or even just better work, scammers will keep dangling fake opportunities designed to exploit optimism, stress, and urgency.

    If a job offer arrives by text, without an application, interview, or context, it isn’t a blessing.

    It’s bait.

    And the safest response is no response at all.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 9, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: job scam, , , ,   

    The “Work-From-Home” Job That Turns You Into the Mule 

    The “Work-From-Home” Job That Turns You Into the Mule

    By Greg Collier

    Every economic slowdown creates opportunity, not just for job seekers but for scammers.

    This time, the bait isn’t a fake investment or a romance pitch. It’s a “work-from-home” job that promises easy money, fast onboarding, and a professional-sounding title while quietly turning you into the middleman of a retail theft operation.

    A Job That Sounds Legitimate and a Role You Never Signed Up For:

    When remote work feels scarce and bills are due, a job offer with no interview, no experience requirements, and minimal effort can feel like a lifeline. Titles like delivery operations specialist or quality control manager sound corporate enough to be real and flexible enough to be believable.

    Federal investigators say that’s exactly the point.

    According to the Federal Trade Commission, these offers are part of reshipping scams that use stolen credit cards and bank accounts to buy high-value merchandise, then pass the legal risk downstream to unsuspecting workers.

    What’s Going On:

    Recruiters reach out claiming to represent a logistics company or recognizable brand like Amazon or FedEx. Soon after, packages begin arriving at your home. They’re often expensive electronics or brand-new consumer goods.

    You’re instructed to open the boxes, discard the original packaging and receipts, and forward the merchandise to a new address, frequently an international one. The work is framed as inspection, quality control, or shipping support.

    Then payday comes. And goes.

    Communication slows, emails stop arriving, and the company disappears. Only later do many victims learn the items were purchased with stolen financial information, and that any personal details shared during “onboarding” may now be compromised as well.

    By then, the scammer is gone. The paper trail leads to you.

    Why It Works:

    Reshipping scams rely on familiarity and routine. Receiving packages feels normal. Printing labels feels harmless. The tasks don’t register as criminal, especially when wrapped in corporate branding and professional language.

    The fraud also thrives on urgency. Victims are nudged to act quickly, discouraged from asking questions, and reassured that everything is standard procedure. The delay between the work and the realization gives scammers time to vanish.

    This isn’t about stealing money directly. It’s about outsourcing exposure.

    Red Flags:

    • Any job where the primary responsibility is forwarding packages from your home.
    • No formal interview, offer letter, or verifiable company presence.
    • Requests for copies of IDs, banking details, or Social Security numbers during onboarding.
    • Vague pay schedules or explanations like “processing periods.”
    • Warnings not to discuss the job with others or pressure to act immediately.

    There’s a reason legitimate employers don’t operate this way.

    Quick Tip: Search the company or recruiter’s name along with words like “scam,” “complaint,” or “review.” If you see reports about missing pay or reshipping goods, walk away. That pause can save months of cleanup.

    What You Can Do:

    • Verify employers independently using official websites and contact information.
    • Talk through job offers with someone you trust before accepting.
    • Never share sensitive personal or financial information unless the employer is unquestionably real.
    • Be skeptical of roles that sound operationally important but offer no transparency.

    Real companies ship from warehouses, not spare bedrooms.

    If You’ve Been Targeted:

    • Visit IdentityTheft.gov to protect your information immediately.
    • Monitor credit reports and financial accounts for unusual activity.
    • Report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
    • Notify the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at uspis.gov/report.
    • Save emails, shipping labels, and instructions as documentation.

    Even if you never got paid, the harm may already be in motion.

    Final Thoughts:

    Reshipping scams are effective because they don’t feel like scams. They feel like work. They arrive neatly boxed, labeled, and framed as opportunity.

    But no legitimate job requires you to forward stolen goods through your home. If a work-from-home offer turns your living space into a shipping hub, you weren’t hired; you were used.

    Further Reading:

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 24, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , job scam, ,   

    When the Job Interview Is a Scam 

    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.


     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 26, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Cloud Boost, , job scam, ,   

    Cloud Boost Scam Exposed 

    By Greg Collier

    Residents of the Coastal Bend area of Texas are increasingly reporting losses to a fraudulent scheme known as “Cloud Boost.” The operation presents itself as a social media engagement program that rewards users for watching videos and boosting posts. In reality, victims are left defrauded of thousands of dollars.

    The scam often begins innocently, with participants introduced by friends or acquaintances who believe the opportunity to be legitimate. Initial investments can appear profitable, as some individuals are able to withdraw small sums in the beginning. This tactic builds trust and encourages further deposits. Once victims commit larger amounts of money, however, their withdrawals are blocked, and communication with the platform turns deceptive.

    The Better Business Bureau has documented numerous patterns in how the scam operates. Participants are first given simple tasks on platforms such as liking or subscribing to videos. They are then pressured to purchase increasingly expensive “packages” in order to progress and unlock higher earnings. When attempting to cash out, victims are often told they must pay additional fees for processing or taxes, but the money never arrives. Scammers may also migrate users to new platforms under different names, promising resolution that never materializes. Recruitment of friends and family is encouraged, giving the scheme the appearance of a pyramid structure. To appear credible, the perpetrators have even falsely claimed affiliations with major technology companies.

    Schemes such as Cloud Boost also highlight how economic pressures are often leveraged by fraudsters. Many victims are motivated by the promise of fast cash to cover urgent expenses, which can make the opportunity appear especially appealing. Once funds are transferred, recovery is rarely possible because most transactions are funneled through cryptocurrency. The use of digital currency allows scammers to remain anonymous and makes tracing or reclaiming the money nearly impossible, leaving victims with financial and emotional losses that extend far beyond the initial investment.

    Some victims described promises of bonuses such as weekly pay, laptops, or even reimbursement for family meals. All communication takes place through online messaging channels, which helps the scammers maintain a sense of legitimacy by mimicking remote workplace practices. Ultimately, individuals have reported losing tens of thousands of dollars, believing for weeks or months that they were participating in a genuine work-from-home opportunity.

    Cloud Boost is another variation of so-called task scams, which lure people with the idea of quick payouts for minimal effort. These schemes exploit the trust of individuals who believe they are performing legitimate online work. Readers are reminded that a genuine employer will never require payment to begin a job, and any request for upfront fees should be seen as a serious warning sign.

    The Better Business Bureau urges caution to anyone approached with similar offers. Victims are advised to cease all contact with the operators, report the fraud to authorities, and warn others to prevent further harm.

    The rise of Cloud Boost shows how modern scams exploit the growing popularity of gig-style work and online engagement. By blending elements of social media marketing, remote employment, and cryptocurrency, these schemes create the appearance of opportunity while leaving participants with significant financial losses. The key lesson remains that if an investment promises easy profits for minimal effort, it is likely too good to be true.

     

  • Geebo 9:12 am on September 24, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , job scam, ,   

    BBB Flags Surge in Job Offer Scams 

    BBB Flags Surge in Job Offer Scams

    By Greg Collier

    The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau is warning job seekers about a surge in fraudulent employment offers impersonating well-known companies. According to reports collected through the BBB Scam Tracker, individuals have been contacted by people claiming to be human resources representatives from companies such as Amazon and others. These offers often appear genuine because the scammers adopt personal-sounding names and reference real businesses.

    The approach usually begins with a message suggesting that a resume was discovered online. Recipients are encouraged to continue the application process through WhatsApp, where a staged interview may be conducted. After positive feedback, the applicant is sent an official-looking contract and is asked to provide personal information such as a home address, date of birth, and banking details under the pretense of setting up payroll systems. This information can then be used for identity theft.

    Some variations of the scheme go further by involving a supposed training manager. In these cases, the victim is sent a counterfeit check for office equipment and told to return part of the funds after making a deposit. Because the check is not valid, any money returned to the scammers becomes a direct loss.

    One of the strongest warning signs in these schemes is when the supposed recruiter insists on moving the conversation to WhatsApp. In the United States, most legitimate companies conduct hiring through official websites, business email accounts, or platforms like LinkedIn. WhatsApp is not widely used as a primary communication tool for hiring in the U.S., unlike in many countries overseas where it is a dominant messaging service. That cultural difference makes the request unusual for American job seekers, and scammers exploit that unfamiliarity to lure victims into a less formal, harder-to-trace setting.

    The BBB advises job seekers to carefully research employment opportunities before sharing sensitive information. Checking company websites directly and looking for existing warnings online can help verify the legitimacy of offers. The organization also emphasizes that legitimate employers will not send money upfront to new hires or request that funds be sent back.

    With the rise of remote work and online recruiting, these scams have become increasingly sophisticated. The BBB continues to encourage vigilance and reminds job seekers that promises of easy hiring and high pay with little interaction should be treated as warning signs.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 18, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , job scam,   

    Car Wrap Scam Returns for Summer 

    By Greg Collier

    A long-running scam has returned to Springfield, Missouri, this time using the Dr. Pepper name to bait potential victims. What seems like a simple chance to make money by advertising the well-known soda on your car is actually part of a counterfeit check scheme that could leave you with a serious financial loss.

    The pitch usually arrives by mail. It offers to pay you for wrapping your car in Dr. Pepper branding and driving around for a few weeks. Along with the offer are checks that look authentic, often totaling several thousand dollars. You’re told to deposit the checks, keep a portion as your pay, and send the rest to a company that will supposedly handle the wrap installation.

    However, the checks are fake. Banks may initially make the money available through provisional credit, giving the impression that the funds have cleared. Victims often follow through with the instructions and send the money out. Days later, when the checks bounce, the bank withdraws the funds, and the victim is left covering the entire amount.

    While Dr. Pepper is the brand used in this case, scammers can use the name of any recognizable company to build trust and make the scam look credible. The appearance of legitimacy is part of the trap. Scammers know that familiar brands can lower a victim’s guard.

    Legitimate car wrap programs do exist, but they don’t operate by sending out unsolicited checks. Real advertising jobs require you to apply, and payment is never made before services are performed. Any unexpected job offer that comes with upfront money should be treated with extreme caution.

    Consumers who encounter offers like this are urged to report them to consumer protection agencies to help warn others before more damage is done.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 10, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: job scam, , ,   

    Task Scam Jobs Are on the Rise 

    By Greg Collier

    In a time when finding stable work can be difficult, scammers are increasingly preying on job seekers with offers that appear too good to be true. According to the Federal Trade Commission, deceptive job offers that involve so-called “gamified tasks” or “product boosting” schemes have become a major concern. These scams often appear through unexpected messages via text or instant messaging, and they are designed to manipulate and exploit people who are simply trying to earn a living.

    The scam typically starts with a message from someone posing as a recruiter. They may offer what sounds like an easy online job with good pay for clicking on links, liking videos, or rating product images. The supposed employer may use praise to build trust and make the opportunity feel legitimate. What follows is a carefully constructed illusion. As the victim completes these tasks, they see what appears to be growing earnings inside a platform or app. However, those numbers are fake. Eventually, the individual is asked to deposit their own money, usually in cryptocurrency, to unlock further tasks or to withdraw their earnings. That money is never returned, and the earnings are never real.

    Those especially vulnerable include individuals new to the workforce, those returning after long absences, and immigrants who may be unfamiliar with local hiring practices. The promise of remote work, immediate start dates, and simple tasks can be appealing, especially in a climate of financial uncertainty. Some may overlook their doubts in the hope of finally finding an income stream.

    While these scams exploit digital tools and apps, the core manipulation remains old-fashioned. They rely on trust, urgency, and desperation. Authorities recommend caution when approached with unsolicited job offers and warn against any role that requires upfront payment to access tasks or earnings. Though the scams may be dressed up in modern platforms and buzzwords, the outcome remains the same. Victims lose real money while chasing phantom wages.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 7, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , job scam, , ,   

    Tricked by a Fake Work-From-Home Job 

    Tricked by a Fake Work-From-Home Job

    By Greg Collier

    Work-from-home opportunities can be a lifeline for people who cannot take on traditional employment. The flexibility to earn an income without commuting or meeting rigid schedules has opened new doors for many, especially older adults or those with disabilities. However, this growing market has also become a playground for scammers who exploit that flexibility for their own gain.

    A Houston resident recently learned this the hard way. After being hired to inspect and repackage what appeared to be Amazon shipments, she was promised nearly three thousand dollars in compensation, plus a small bonus for each package she handled. She worked diligently for months, expecting her payday to arrive soon. Instead, the company that hired her simply disappeared, leaving her unpaid and in financial jeopardy.

    The job, as it turns out, was not legitimate. Authorities believe it was part of a “reshipping scam” in which scammers use unsuspecting workers to move goods that were likely obtained through fraudulent means. The purpose is to create layers of shipping activity to conceal the origin of the merchandise. Once the job is done, the fraudulent company vanishes, and the worker is left empty-handed.

    There are few legal remedies in cases like this. Because the business was never real to begin with, there is often no way to pursue back pay or damages. The only real protection lies in awareness and prevention.

    Scams like this highlight the need for caution when applying for remote jobs. Some signs that a work-from-home offer may not be genuine include excessive promises of high pay, a lack of any interview or verification process, or requests for money upfront. Jobs that expect significant work to be completed before issuing any payment also deserve extra scrutiny.

    The loss suffered in this case is more than just financial. The emotional toll of being deceived after months of labor is real and profound. While there may be no way to recover what was lost, stories like this serve as a warning to others navigating the often murky world of online employment.

    Remote work can be legitimate and rewarding. But it requires due diligence. Before accepting any job, especially one that operates entirely online, it’s important to research the company, ask questions, and look for signs that the offer is too good to be true. The best protection against scams is a healthy dose of skepticism and a commitment to verify before committing.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on June 30, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , job scam, ,   

    Temu Review Job Offer Is a Scam 

    Temu Review Job Offer Is a Scam

    By Greg Collier

    A growing number of consumers are reporting suspicious text messages claiming to offer high-paying jobs for writing reviews on Temu. These messages often appear to come from unusual email addresses or fake recruiters claiming to work for familiar platforms like Indeed. The promised compensation ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars for only minutes of work each day.

    These types of messages are part of a broader wave of text-based job scams that have been circulating for months. In many cases, the recipient has never applied for a job and may not even be actively seeking employment. Despite that, the message encourages recipients to respond, provide personal information, or click on embedded links. The goal of these scams is typically to steal money, commit identity fraud, or infect a device with malware.

    The supposed connection to Temu appears to be entirely fabricated. The company has acknowledged that scammers have falsely used its name in phishing attempts. As with other brands that gain rapid popularity, Temu has become a convenient reference point for fraudsters trying to seem legitimate.

    The safest response to these messages is to ignore them completely. Do not click any links or call the numbers listed in the message. Instead, consumers can report the messages by forwarding them to 7726, which stands for SPAM. After forwarding, a follow-up message will prompt the user to share the phone number or email that sent the original text. This helps authorities track the source and prevent further abuse.

    These scams are a reminder to remain cautious when receiving unsolicited job offers, especially ones promising fast money for minimal work. If a message seems too good to be true, it likely is.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on June 24, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , job scam, , ,   

    Overpayment Scam Targets Small Businesses 

    By Greg Collier

    Scammers continue to target small business owners, and one recent case in the Tulsa Metro area highlights just how easily a routine job request can turn into a financial trap. This situation involved a new cleaning business that was approached for what seemed like a standard move-in cleaning. The request came through a text message, supposedly from someone who found the company through Facebook and had seen positive reviews.

    The individual claimed to need cleaning services for a home listed for sale, even offering an address and referencing a Zillow listing to make the request appear legitimate. After checking the address and confirming the listing existed, the business owner provided a quote for the cleaning service. The client responded with agreement, saying a check would be sent in advance to avoid delays.

    What arrived, however, was a check for nearly four times the agreed amount. The sender explained the excess was intended for a handyman who would be on-site the same day as the cleaning, asking the business owner to deliver the extra funds directly to that individual. This request immediately raised concerns.

    Additional warning signs appeared. The check was shipped overnight from a sender in New Jersey, yet it was drawn from an account in Oregon and issued by an organization unrelated to the cleaning job. There was even a typographical error in the city name printed on the check. Seeking confirmation, the business owner contacted the listing agent tied to the home on Zillow. The agent confirmed neither the homeowner nor the agency had requested cleaning services, confirming the job offer was fraudulent.

    This type of fraud is a textbook example of an overpayment scam. The victim is sent a check that appears legitimate, deposits it, and then is asked to return or forward the extra money. When the check eventually bounces, the victim is left responsible for any money they withdrew and paid out, losing real funds in the process.

    This case serves as a reminder that small business owners are frequent targets for these types of scams, especially those operating through social media and online platforms. Caution is essential when dealing with unsolicited job offers that involve advance payments or unusual financial arrangements. Even when a job seems straightforward and comes with plausible details, it is worth double-checking every step, especially when unexpected money enters the equation. Recognizing the red flags early can prevent a costly mistake.

     

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