08/14/2026
For students heading back to school, a flexible part-time or work-from-home job can sound perfect. Unfortunately, scammers know exactly what job seekers are looking for and create convincing opportunities designed to steal money or personal information.
🚩 Watch for the Red Flags
Too good to be true: High pay for very little work or experience.
You have to pay first: You're asked to pay for training, equipment, supplies, or other fees before you begin.
You're sent a check: The "employer" sends you a check and tells you to buy equipment or send part of the money somewhere else. The check may later be returned as fraudulent, leaving you responsible for the money you sent.
Everything happens too quickly: You're hired through text, email, or messaging without a real interview, and pressured to act immediately.
They want personal information too soon: Be cautious about providing banking information, Social Security numbers, or other sensitive information before you've verified the employer.
🔍 Before You Accept the Job
Research the company independently. Visit its official website, verify the job is actually listed, and contact the company using information you find yourself—not the phone number or link provided in an unexpected message.
And remember:
A job should pay you. You shouldn't have to pay for the job.
If an opportunity sounds too good to be true, or something just doesn't feel right, pause before you act.
🛡️ The Pause Protects.
When in Doubt, Check It Out.
👀 Looking Ahead...
Next week's Fraud Friday will focus on Textbook & Marketplace Scams including fake sellers, too-good-to-be-true prices, and payment requests that can leave students without the book or their money.
