Common Job Scams to Avoid

Why do job scams happen?

Scammers often post fake jobs to:

• Steal your identity or financial information
• Trick you into sending them money
• Recruit you into helping commit fraud, without you knowing

These scams can appear on job boards, in emails, or even through social media and messaging apps.

Common types of job scams

Cheque scam

What is it?

A cheque scam tricks you into cashing a bad cheque. The scammer then asks you to send part of the money to someone else. When the bank finds out the cheque is fake, you’re responsible for the full amount.

Scammers may:

• Say they need a personal assistant or caregiver and send you a cheque to buy supplies
• Claim they’re opening a new office near you and send money for office equipment
• Pay you upfront for a job, then ask to send some of the money to another account

Money laundering scam

What is it?

This scam asks you to move money or make transactions for someone else. Even if the money isn’t yours, this could be illegal and dangerous.

Scammers may:

• Ask you to send or receive money using services like Western Union, MoneyGram, or cryptocurrency
• Ask you to help move money between accounts or make large purchases for someone else

Reshipping scam

What is it?

This type of scam offers a work-from-home job where you receive packages and ship them to other places. These packages may contain stolen items or fake money orders.

Scammers may:

• Send you packages at home and tell you to reship them using prepaid labels
• Advertise job titles such as “merchandising manager” or “package processing assistant”

Fee scam

What is it?

A fee scam makes you pay money to apply, interview, or get hired for a job. Real employers may ask you to pay for a uniform or job tools, but this is usually taken from your paycheque after you begin working.

Scammers may ask you to pay for:

• Applications
• Interviews
• Recruiter services
• Resume help or formatting
• Training or onboarding
• Background checks

Cryptocurrency scam

What is it?

This scam involves digital money, like bitcoin or ether. Scammers may try to get your money, trick you into helping them scam others, or ask you to do fake jobs using cryptocurrency.

Scammers may:

• Ask you to invest money in a crypto app or program
• Make you recruit others to buy cryptocurrency
• Make you help sell or “mine” cryptocurrency
• Ask you to convert cash into cryptocurrency

Identity theft

What is it?

Scammers may try to steal your personal information. They can then access government services like unemployment benefits or health care. This can lead to unemployment benefit or tax identity fraud.

Scammers may:

• Ask you to share personal details
• Request a copy of your driver’s licence (front and back), passport, Social Insurance Number, or birth date

Unemployment benefit fraud

This happens when someone uses your personal information to get unemployment money that isn’t theirs.

Tax identity fraud

This type of fraud happens when someone uses your Social Insurance Number to steal your tax refund or pretend to be you.

Protecting yourself from scams

Be aware when searching for jobs.

• Follow our guidelines for a safe job search.
• Know how to identify scam job titles.

Communicate safely with employers.

• Verify suspicious employer communication.
• Report suspicious messages to Indeed.

Know what to do if you suspect a scam.

• Here’s what to do if you believe you’ve been scammed.
• Scam or spam? Spot the difference.