Unexpected Job Text? Verify the Recruiter First
The FTC warns that unsolicited job offers can be a route into recruiter scams.
The Federal Trade Commission has warned about unsolicited job-offer texts and fake recruiter approaches. A message can use familiar company language while directing the recipient toward a fraudulent process.
Treat the sender’s claim as something to verify independently. Visit the employer’s official careers page and look for the position. If a recruiter says they represent an agency, use contact information obtained separately from the message to confirm that relationship.
Pressure to act immediately should not replace basic verification. An attractive wage or remote schedule does not establish that a job exists. Keep personal financial information out of an unverified conversation and be especially cautious about requests to pay or move money.
What readers can do next
Keep screenshots and the sender details. If the opportunity cannot be confirmed through an official channel, stop the exchange. Use the reporting resources linked by the FTC if you encounter a suspected scam. Verification is part of a job search, not a sign that you are missing an opportunity.