You might think you’d never fall for a fake job text. After all, why would Target or Temu randomly reach out with a high-paying job offer that seems too good to be true? But here’s the truth: these scams work — and that’s exactly why they’re spreading like wildfire.
In 2024 alone, Americans lost $470 million to text message scams, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). That’s five times more than in 2020. Among these scams, fake package delivery notices topped the list, but bogus job offers came in second. The tactic is simple but powerful: promise easy money for minimal effort, dangle a reputable company name, and send the pitch straight to someone’s phone.
“We are definitely seeing both a growth in reported losses to text scams and also a growth in reported losses to job scams,” says Kati Daffan of the FTC. Losses to job scams alone tripled from 2020 to 2023. And experts warn that things are only getting worse.
The worsening job market and rising economic anxiety are creating the perfect storm. More people are job-hunting or looking for side hustles, especially ones they can do remotely. Add to that the rise of AI tools that make scam texts more convincing than ever, and you’ve got a serious threat.
What These Scams Look Like
A scam job text often begins with an unexpected message: a recruiter wants to hire you for a flexible online position that pays well. The interview might happen entirely over text or email, and you may be offered payment in crypto — both red flags.
Sometimes, scammers will send a fake check, instructing the victim to buy work-from-home equipment and send back the “extra” funds. When the check bounces, the victim is left footing the bill — and possibly in legal trouble for depositing a fraudulent check.
Eva Velasquez, CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center, says her organization saw a surprising jump in job scam reports in 2023. These scams don’t just steal money; they also collect sensitive personal information like Social Security numbers, driver’s license photos, and bank account details — all under the guise of a “normal” hiring process.
“That’s what makes it confusing,” Velasquez says. “In real job processes, employers do need your personal information — and scammers exploit that reality.”
Who’s at Risk? Everyone. But Especially Young People.
While people may imagine scam victims as older adults, younger generations — especially Gen Z and millennials — are falling for these job hoaxes more often. They’re used to doing everything online, including applying for jobs. A text-based interview doesn’t seem strange when most communication already happens via phone or apps.
“Younger people are accustomed to the idea of side hustles,” says Alex Quilici, CEO of YouMail, a scam-blocking service. “So ‘like videos for money’ doesn’t sound outlandish in a world where people get paid for TikTok content.”
Add in a tough job market, with fewer new positions and fewer people quitting, and you get a generation desperate for opportunities — and vulnerable to scams that promise easy cash.
Why Isn’t This Being Stopped?
It’s a complicated problem with no single solution. Kate Griffin of the Aspen Institute notes that while agencies like the FBI, FTC, and Treasury Department are all involved, no one organization is fully responsible for combating scam texts.
Meanwhile, phone carriers — which provide the infrastructure for these messages — are limited in what they can do. They don’t have access to message content and have few incentives to make dramatic changes.
“If you wanted to stop it, you’d have to make it really hard to get a phone number,” Quilici says. But that would inconvenience everyone — not just scammers.
How You Can Protect Yourself
The responsibility too often falls on the individual. Here are some key ways to stay safe:
Don’t respond to unsolicited texts offering jobs.
Be skeptical of any job offer that promises large sums for easy work.
Never pay for equipment or send money during the hiring process.
Avoid offers involving cryptocurrency.
Report suspicious messages to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Real employers don’t recruit via sketchy texts or random WhatsApp messages. If a job sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stay alert — and help others do the same.