04/24/2026
Scammers have always been out there, but in 2026 they are getting more convincing than ever. Here are 4 of the most common job scam tactics & some of the red flags to avoid them.
Text scams: Scammers reach out via text often claiming they found your resume and offer you a job right away. These jobs often have higher-than-average pay ranges with little to no expectations. If you didn’t apply and they’re texting you out of the blue from a random number, don’t engage. Legit employers don’t hire over text.
Job posting scams: Scammers use fake listings on legitimate job sites designed to collect your information or lure you in with unrealistic pay and vague details. Be sure to look for clear job descriptions, verify the company, and be cautious of anything that feels too good to be true.
LinkedIn scams: Fake recruiters or hacked accounts reaching out with “opportunities” and quickly trying to move you off the platform or get personal information. To avoid this make sure to check profiles carefully, and don’t trust offers without verified company information.
Upfront payment scams: Scammers offer you a job and require you to pay for training, equipment, or onboarding before starting the position with the promise to reimburse you. Never pay to get a job, real employers pay you.
A good rule of thumb to avoid scams is to always be sure to apply on a on a legitimate company website. Head to the link in our bio to learn more about our remote work certification course where you can learn job search tips and work one on one with one of our program specialists to help you on your job search journey.