The 'Remote Job' That Sends You a Check Before You Start Is Often the Scam Itself

Scammers often create time-sensitive deadlines while stirring up a potential victim’s emotions. This combination can cause people to take quick action without thinking.

The scam strategy is more often showing up in remote job searches, where a fake check and a “generous” offer trick unsuspecting victims into handing over money.

How the fake remote-job check scam works

The remote job offer scheme has become common enough that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently issued a warning about it. The scam often involves a recruiter contacting the target, initiating a text-only interview and then offering the job quickly. As is often the case with new scams, these perpetrators are taking advantage of the fact that many people are searching for remote jobs, and may be getting desperate for an income. This combination can cause people to jump at a fraudulent offer and fall into the trap.

One example of this scam is the fake employer sending you a check and asking you to deposit it, but then needing the money back.

Another example is the scammer may send a check for equipment, supplies, training or a home-office setup. The victim is often told to buy the equipment from a designated “vendor,” which is part of the scam. Then, the “employer” will compensate the victim.

It’s possible for the vendor, supervisor and recruiter to be the same scammer pretending to be three separate people. The scam works if the victim pays for the equipment and then the “employer” ghosts them, leaving them with an extra expense and no equipment. The victim is typically responsible for the money withdrawn or transferred.

Warning signs the remote job is not real

An unexpected job offer sent via text, WhatsApp or Telegram is suspicious, especially if you have to pay for equipment. Another red flag is if this same job provides high pay for a simple task with few details about duties or qualifications.

Remote job opportunities take time to materialize, so if you come across a job with any red flags and it proceeds too quickly, it may be a scam. Any pressuring tactics such as a demand to take the job quickly or deposit a check are also common patterns of scammers.

Some scammers copy legitimate job postings and use an email address or website that closely resembles a real company. If you are unsure, visit the company’s official website and ask its human resources department via phone or email if the job offer is legitimate.

What to do if you deposited the check or sent money

If you have already sent money, do not send any additional funds, even if the scammer makes threats or provides an explanation. Contact your bank or credit union’s fraud department right away, let them know that the deposited check may be fraudulent, and get your account protected from further transactions.

You should also contact the financial institution or entity that received your money to see if the wire transfer or payment can be stopped or reversed. After following those initial steps, you should report the incident to the FTC. You may also have to visit IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan in the event the scammer obtained your Social Security number, bank details, driver’s license or other sensitive details.

Even if you follow all of these steps, you are not guaranteed to get your money back. However, acting quickly can improve your chances.