Job scam texts are blowing up phones everywhere, and they’re only getting sneakier. Stay one step ahead by keeping the fakes out, and help keep your information safe with Avast Mobile Security.
You’re in line for coffee when your phone buzzes: “Hi! We reviewed your profile for a remote job. $1,200/week, no experience needed! Text YES to learn more.” Looks tempting at first glance, right? But if your scam radar isn't going off yet, it should be. This "job offer" is suspiciously vague, and that's just the beginning of the red flags.
In 2024 alone, the FTC reported around $470 million in losses to text scams, and job text scams were one of the top schemes. Let’s break down what’s going on, how to spot a fake job text message, and ways to protect yourself before scammers recruit your wallet and identity.
How job scam texts actually work
Job text scams pose as legitimate employment opportunities, but instead of real jobs, they lead you to phishing links or other traps designed to steal your personal information, money, or both.
Here’s how the scam usually plays out:
For example, I recently received a scam text advertising a remote role as an “Online Evaluator.” The message included several red flags, like an AI-generated profile image and grammatical errors.
Why fake job offers are flooding phones right now
Fake job offers seem to be everywhere right now, mainly due to economic factors and shifting work culture. Here are a few reasons why you might be seeing them more often:
As the job market weakens, scammers are capitalizing on the desperation of job seekers. Younger people are especially at risk since they’re newer to the job search game and are used to doing everything online.
How to spot a fake job text message
Spotting a fake job text message may be easier than you think. You may even find these job offer scams laughable once you get the hang of it. Here are the recurring signs:
What happens if you fall for the scam?
Many of these scams are sophisticated and designed to trick you, so don't feel bad if you fall for one. Falling for one of these job offer scams can lead to:
How to protect yourself from fake job offers
Protecting yourself from fake job offers doesn’t require tech wizardry. It just calls for a keen eye and a few smart habits:
Keep your phone safe from job scam texts
Job scam texts are just one role in today’s phishing playbook. If your phone’s getting bombarded with sketchy offers, it might be time to upgrade your defenses.
FAQs
Do real recruiters send job offers by text?
Sometimes, but it’s rare. It usually happens only after you’ve interacted with them elsewhere, like LinkedIn or email. Be wary of cold job offer texts from unknown numbers.
Is it safe to reply “STOP” to a job scam text?
No, even if you don’t reveal any personal information, it’s still not safe. That just confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.
How can I stop getting job scam texts?
Block unknown senders, filter spam messages in your phone settings, and report shady messages to your carrier or the FTC. You can also register with the Do Not Call Registry — it won’t catch everything, but it helps.
1988 - 2025 Copyright © Avast Software s.r.o. | Sitemap Privacy policy