How to Tell if the Job Offer is a Scam: 5 Red Flags to Watch For

As a Career and Executive Coach, I hear a lot of stories from jobseekers, and not all of them are wins. I’ve been contacted from time to time by clients who believed they were receiving job offers from scammers, and I thought it’s important to really talk about this.

In fact, I recently received a fake job offer myself. A message came through to my regular cellphone from a so-called recruiter who then asked to move the conversation to WhatsApp. I knew immediately it was a scam, but I played along for a while and took a few screenshots to share with you.

Scams like this aren’t limited to shady websites. Even legitimate platforms like Indeed or Monster have occasional scammers posing as recruiters. And while many of us think we’d spot a fake right away, it’s easy to get caught off guard, especially when you’re actively applying and hoping for good news.

So, how can you protect yourself? Here are five signs that the job offer is a scam and what to do instead.

1. The Communication Feels Off

Scam messages often have strange grammar, awkward phrasing, or inconsistent details. The recruiter might mention one company in their message but send you a job description from a completely different one.

Some scammers copy and paste from real listings, so you’ll want to check if the posting actually exists on the company’s official careers page. If it doesn’t, proceed with caution.

Another red flag? If they insist on using messaging apps like Telegram or WhatsApp for the entire hiring process, instead of professional platforms or emails. Real recruiters might text you to confirm an interview— but they won’t run the entire hiring process through an app.

2. They Pressure You to Act Fast

Scammers love urgency. They’ll say things like, “We need to fill this role immediately,” or “You have 12 hours to respond or the opportunity will be gone.”

Real hiring processes involve screening, interviews, and approvals. If someone is rushing you to submit documents, pay for training, or sign an offer without a proper vetting process, it’s likely a scam.

Always take your time to verify the company and the recruiter. A legitimate employer will respect your due diligence.

3. They Ask for Personal Information Upfront

A real recruiter will never ask for your full Social Security number, banking details, or a copy of your ID as part of the initial outreach.

If the first thing they want is sensitive information, they’re not trying to hire you, they’re trying to scam you.

What to do instead: Share only your resume and wait for an official application process before offering any personal data.

4. The Company Doesn’t Check Out

If the company name is unfamiliar, do a quick search. A real organization will have a website, LinkedIn page, or at least some kind of digital footprint. If the “recruiter” can’t explain what the company does, or if the info they give you doesn’t match what you find online, that’s a sign the job offer is a scam.

Also, be mindful of fake websites that mimic real ones. Double-check the URL and look for typos or weird domains.

5. The Job Description Is Vague or Too Good to Be True

I’ve seen messages promising remote roles with six-figure salaries, no interviews required, and “immediate hire” after filling out a quick form. Sound familiar?

Scammers know how to write job descriptions that sound attractive without offering any real details. If you don’t see a clear job title, responsibilities, required qualifications, or even a company name, it’s time to be suspicious.

And if the pay sounds unrealistic for your level of experience or the job type? That’s your cue to pause.

What to Do if You Suspect the Job Offer Is a Scam

Knowing how to tell if a job offer is a scam can protect you from identity theft, wasted time, and unnecessary stress. If anything about the offer feels off, trust your instincts.

Here’s what you can do to stay one step ahead:

• Always verify the recruiter on LinkedIn or through the company’s website

• Look for the job posting on the employer’s official careers page

• Never send sensitive documents without a signed offer letter

• Ask a trusted coach or mentor to review any suspicious communication

Be Proactive, Not Just Cautious

Scam job offers can make the job search feel overwhelming. Many jobseekers have encountered these traps, and it doesn’t reflect poorly on your judgment. What matters is how you respond and how prepared you are to recognize the signs.

If you want extra support navigating the job market—especially when it comes to decoding job descriptions and spotting what’s really being said—we’ve got you covered.

Join one of our free Beat the Bots workshops where we break down how to read job postings strategically and learn how to write an ATS compliant resume

You’ll walk away with practical strategies to get your resume seen by the right people and feel more confident as you move forward in your career pivot.