In the wake of recent layoffs — including from the Department of Government Efficiency — scammers are taking advantage of uncertainty and targeting job seekers. Their goal? To steal your personal, financial, and sensitive information through fake job offers and fraudulent employment listings.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), employment scams have nearly tripled since 2020. In 2024 alone, Americans lost over $501 million to job-related fraud — up from just $90 million in 2020. The FBI reports average losses of $3,000 per victim, not to mention the damage to your credit, stress levels, and time.
Scammers have gotten clever — building fake websites, impersonating real companies, and even using actual employee names to gain trust. Here’s how you can stay safe:
Search the company online and contact them directly. Verify the job listing, recruiter, and email address. Google the company’s name plus the word “scam” to spot red flags.
Legit employers don’t hire through brief text messages or email alone. Be cautious if they avoid a proper video or phone interview or use free email services like Gmail.
No real employer will pressure you into accepting a job immediately. High-pressure tactics are a big red flag.
You should never be asked to pay for training, equipment, or onboarding. Don’t share credit card or bank info.
If you’re sent a check and asked to deposit it, keep some money, and send the rest elsewhere — it’s a scam. Once the check bounces, you’re responsible for the funds.
Be wary of vague job descriptions and high salaries that sound too good to be true. If it feels off, trust your instincts.
Watch out for roles with generic titles like “remote assistant,” “mystery shopper,” or “warehouse redistribution coordinator.” These are commonly used in fraudulent job offers.
If you think you’ve encountered a job scam — or fallen victim to one — we’re here to support you.
📞 Call: 1-800-296-9422
📧 Email: info@smphawaii.org
🌐 Visit: www.smphawaii.org
Stay informed. Stay protected.
Together, we can stop fraud and protect Hawaii’s communities — one job scam at a time.
