EmploymentSMSWhatsAppTelegram
Fake job / recruiter text offers
Last updated
Also known as: online assessor job scam, remote position text, task scam
What it looks like
Texts from ‘recruiters’ at known companies offering remote jobs (e.g., online assessor) with pay rates but few details. They ask you to reply YES/INTERESTED, then push fake-check schemes or paid ‘rating’ tasks that eventually require you to deposit your own money.
Who it targets
Job seekers, especially remote-work seekers.
Red flags
- Unsolicited job text asking you to reply YES
- Pay to get a job or to unlock earnings
- Paid to leave positive ratings/reviews online
- Fake checks asking you to send money back
What to do if you clicked, paid, or replied
- Ignore unexpected job texts/WhatsApp/Telegram messages
- Never pay to get paid
- Report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Still circulating?
FTC April 30, 2026 alert on a new text-recruiter pattern.
Primary source: FTC Consumer Advice · 2026-04-30
Related sources
Educational summary only. Verify details on the source page. Report fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or ic3.gov.