we are dedicated to protecting the people of Hawaii — especially our kūpuna — from new forms of scams and fraud. One fast-growing danger is fake job offers. Scammers know that many older adults are looking for part-time work or ways to stay active, and they exploit that by offering fake jobs that steal personal information and money.
Here’s how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
Employment scams prey on people’s hopes for a better opportunity. Scammers often:
Ask for money up front for “training” or “equipment”
Request personal information like your Social Security number or bank details
Send fake checks, then ask you to send money back
Offer suspicious jobs like “reshipping goods” bought with stolen credit cards
Sometimes, scam jobs are posted alongside legitimate ones on job search sites, making them hard to detect. Scammers even impersonate real company employees.
1. Check Your Sources
Always verify the company and recruiter independently. Look up the company online and call them directly to confirm the job offer.
2. Don’t Skip the Interview
Legitimate employers want to interview you properly. Be cautious if the process feels rushed or the recruiter avoids meeting via phone or video.
3. Take Your Time
A real employer gives you time to consider the offer. High-pressure tactics are a red flag.
4. Never Pay Upfront
You should never have to pay for equipment, directories, or training for a job.
5. Don’t Deposit Suspicious Checks
If someone sends you a check and asks you to send part of the money back, it’s a scam.
6. Stay Skeptical of “Too Good to Be True” Offers
Jobs offering unusually high salaries for simple work are often fake.
7. Watch Out for Scammy Job Titles
Beware of vague titles like “warehouse redistribution coordinator” — often linked to illegal activities.
Close your bank account if you shared banking info.
File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Contact job sites or social media platforms where the scam occurred.
Protect your identity by placing a fraud alert or credit freeze.
If you need guidance on spotting scams or protecting your personal information, SMP Hawaii offers free, one-on-one support to kūpuna and caregivers.
📞 Call 1-800-296-9422
📧 Email info@smphawaii.org
🌐 Visit smphawaii.org
Stay cautious. Stay informed. Stay safe. Together, we can protect Hawaii’s kūpuna from scams and fraud.
