Free Job Scam Safety Checklist

Your checklist stays on your device

OfferSentry does not upload, save, or store your checklist selections. Clearing or closing this page removes your selections.

1. Recruiter identity

Select every warning sign that applies to the person who contacted you.

The recruiter uses a personal email address The message comes from Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or another address instead of a company-controlled domain. I cannot independently verify the recruiter Their name, role, or contact information cannot be confirmed through the employer’s official website or phone number. The account may be impersonating a real employee The name appears legitimate, but the email, phone number, profile, or writing style does not match. The recruiter profile is new or has little history The account has few connections, limited activity, copied content, or inconsistent employment details. The initial message was unsolicited and vague It promises an opportunity without clearly naming the role, employer, location, or reason you were selected.

2. Interview and job details

Select the warning signs that describe the interview or proposed role.

I received an offer without a meaningful interview The employer offered the job after only a form, text conversation, or very brief exchange. Communication happens only through a messaging app The recruiter refuses a normal phone or video conversation and insists on Telegram, WhatsApp, Signal, or text. The hiring process feels unusually rushed I am being pressured to accept, complete forms, or act immediately. The pay appears unusually high for the work The role promises large earnings for simple tasks, little experience, or very few working hours. The duties or employment terms are unclear The recruiter avoids providing a written job description, reporting structure, schedule, or employment classification.

3. Money and equipment

Legitimate employers generally do not require applicants to pay to receive a job.

I was asked to pay a fee or deposit The payment is described as training, registration, certification, insurance, activation, or a refundable deposit. I was sent a check to deposit I was told to use part of the money for equipment, supplies, a vendor, or another person. Payment involves gift cards, cryptocurrency, or a wire The recruiter requested a difficult-to-reverse payment method. I must buy equipment from a specified vendor The employer sent funds or instructed me to purchase equipment through an unfamiliar website or individual. Banking information was requested before onboarding Direct-deposit details were requested before I verified the employer, signed legitimate paperwork, or began employment.

4. Personal information and device security

Select anything the recruiter requested before you independently verified the employer.

I was asked for my Social Security number early Sensitive tax or identity information was requested before a verified offer and legitimate onboarding process. I was asked to send identity documents or a selfie The recruiter requested a driver’s license, passport, tax form, or photograph through email, text, or an unfamiliar form. I was asked for a password or verification code The request involves login credentials, one-time codes, account recovery codes, or remote access to an account. I was told to install unfamiliar software This includes remote-access tools, unknown mobile apps, browser extensions, or files sent by the recruiter. The forms or links use an unfamiliar domain The address is misspelled, shortened, recently created, or unrelated to the employer’s official website.

5. Independent verification

Select any remaining problems you found while checking the offer.

The job is not listed on the employer’s official website I cannot locate the same role through the company’s verified careers page. The employer cannot confirm the recruiter or role I contacted the company using independently located information, and it could not verify the opportunity. The website or email domain does not match the employer The spelling, domain ending, or web address differs from the organization’s verified website. I was pressured to keep the opportunity secret The recruiter discouraged me from contacting the company, my bank, family, law enforcement, or another trusted person.

This checklist provides general educational information. It cannot prove that a recruiter, company, message, or job offer is legitimate or fraudulent. When uncertain, stop communicating and contact the employer through independently verified information. If money or sensitive information may be at risk, contact the relevant bank, account provider, or government agency promptly.