How to Check if a Job Posting is Real

The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center received over 48,000 reports of employment scams in 2025, with reported losses exceeding $330 million. Job scams target vulnerable people — the unemployed, recent graduates, and those desperate for remote work. The scams have become sophisticated enough that even experienced professionals fall for them.

Red Flag 1: The Job Pays Too Well for the Requirements

A data entry position paying $45/hour with no experience required. A "personal assistant" role offering $800/week for 10 hours. These salaries are wildly above market rate, and that is intentional — inflated pay catches your attention and overrides skepticism.

Compare the offered salary with data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov), Glassdoor, or PayScale. If the posting pays 50% or more above the median, it is almost certainly fake.

Red Flag 2: The Hiring Process is Instant

Real companies review resumes, conduct interviews, check references. If you receive a job offer based solely on an email exchange or Telegram conversation — with no video interview — it is a scam.

"Congratulations! Based on your resume, you have been selected for the Remote Account Manager position. Your starting salary is $75,000. Please complete the attached onboarding form." — Scam email, February 2026

Red Flag 3: They Ask You to Pay for Something

Legitimate employers never charge for training, background checks, software, or equipment. Common payment requests: background check fees ($50-200), training certification ($100-500), equipment purchases. If asked to spend money to start working, stop.

Red Flag 4: Communication is Exclusively via Chat Apps

Legitimate recruiters use company email addresses and conduct video interviews. Scammers operate through Telegram, WhatsApp, or text messages because these are harder to trace.

Red Flag 5: The Company Cannot Be Verified

Before applying, verify:

1. Check the company's official careers page for the position
2. Verify the recruiter on LinkedIn
3. Check business registration with your state's Secretary of State (see our guide)
4. Google the company name + "scam"

Red Flag 6: The Job Description is Vague

Real job postings describe specific responsibilities, required skills, and team details. Scam postings use vague language like "work from home doing simple tasks" or "handle transactions for our company."

Common Job Scam Types in 2026

The Check Cashing Scam

You receive a check and are asked to deposit it and forward a portion of the funds. The check bounces days later, and you are liable.

The Reshipping Scam

You are hired to receive packages and re-ship them internationally. The packages contain goods purchased with stolen credit cards.

The Identity Theft Scam

The "onboarding" asks for your SSN, driver's license, and bank details — everything needed to steal your identity.

The Advance Fee Scam

You must pay for a background check or equipment. Once you pay, the "employer" vanishes.

Verification Steps

1. Search for the job on the company's official careers page
2. Verify the recruiter on LinkedIn
3. Call the company's main phone number
4. Check business registration with your state
5. Compare salary with market data
6. Run the description through IsThisAScam's 6-layer analysis

Where to Report

• FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• FBI IC3: ic3.gov
• The job platform where you found it
• Your state's Attorney General

See also: checking email legitimacy and spotting fake social media profiles.