If you or someone you know is looking for work, this scam is targeting job seekers on Facebook, LinkedIn, and text message right now — and it is costing people hundreds of dollars they cannot afford to lose.
Scammers pose as staffing agencies or recruiters, promising to place you in a well-paying job — but only after you pay an upfront "registration fee," "background check fee," or "training materials fee" ranging from $50 to $500.
How they find victims
They reach out through Facebook Messenger, LinkedIn DMs, text messages, and even fake job postings on Indeed and ZipRecruiter. The messages are professional-sounding and often include official-looking company names and websites.
The fake agency playbook
The scam usually follows a pattern: (1) You're contacted about a job opening that seems perfect, (2) After a brief "interview" by text or WhatsApp, you're "selected," (3) You're told to pay a small fee before they can submit your application or start your placement, (4) Once you pay, they disappear — or ask for more money.
Identity theft risk
Many fake agencies also ask for your Social Security number, bank account details, or a copy of your driver's license "for the employer" before any offer is made. This is identity theft — not onboarding.
- Contacted out of nowhere about a job you didn't apply for
- Asked to pay any fee before getting placed
- Communication only by text, WhatsApp, or Gmail — no official company email
- Guarantee of job placement
- Asked for SSN, bank info, or ID before any official offer
- Payment requested by gift card, Zelle, or Venmo
Legitimate staffing agencies are paid by the employer — never by the job seeker. If anyone asks you to pay money to get a job, stop all contact immediately and report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
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