Summer is a great time for students to gain work experience and earn extra cash. Unfortunately, scammers see this as an opportunity, too. While you’re job hunting, fraudsters create fake listings, impersonate recruiters, and conduct phony interviews to steal personal information and money.
In 2023, job scams accounted for 27% of all reported identity theft cases, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC). These scams can lead to financial losses and identity theft, but by staying informed, you can avoid them and secure legitimate work.
How Job Scams Work
Job scammers typically:
- Offer an easy, high-paying job with flexible hours.
- Request personal details (Social Security number, bank info) under the guise of payroll or background checks.
- Send fraudulent checks, asking victims to deposit them and forward funds—only for the check to bounce.
- Demand upfront payments for training, supplies, or certifications.
Real-World Examples
Fake LinkedIn Recruiters
In 2023, scammers impersonated recruiters from top companies, offering fake remote jobs. Victims shared personal information before realizing the job didn’t exist.
Fake Check Scam Targeting Michigan Students
Universities, including the University of Michigan, warned students about job scams involving fraudulent checks disguised as prepayments for remote jobs or supplies. Victims were instructed to deposit the check and transfer funds, only to later discover the check was fake, leaving them financially liable.
Fake Recruiters Texts
In 2025, a number of text messages like the following were sent out. “Hello, I’m Sierra from Acme. Your resume was recommended by online recruiters. We’re offering a flexible remote position helping Acme update data and increase visibility. Earn $250–$500 daily, with a base salary of $1,000 per 4 days worked. Interested? Text 2485551234 for details.”
How to Spot a Job Scam
- Too Good to Be True – High pay for little work? Be skeptical.
- No Interview – Legitimate employers always conduct interviews.
- Unprofessional Emails – Watch for poor grammar, vague greetings, and non-company email domains.
- Upfront Fees – A real job won’t require payments for background checks, training, or supplies.
- Requests for Personal Info – Never share Social Security numbers or banking details without verifying the employer.
How to Stay Safe While Job Hunting
- Research the Company – Visit official websites and contact HR.
- Use Trusted Job Platforms – Stick to LinkedIn, Indeed, or university career services.
- Verify Recruiters – Ensure they use legitimate company emails and cross-check them on LinkedIn.
- Trust Your Instincts – If it feels off, walk away. Better safe than scammed.
- Protect Your Identity – The ITRC recommends monitoring credit for unusual activity.
What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted
- Don’t Engage – Stop communication immediately.
- Report It – File a complaint with the FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov), the FBI’s IC3 (ic3.gov), or your state’s Attorney General’s office.
- Monitor Your Finances – Contact your bank if you shared banking details.
- Freeze Your Credit – If scammers have your Social Security number, consider freezing your credit.
Final Thoughts
Job hunting should be exciting, not risky. By staying informed and cautious, you can avoid scams and secure a legitimate job.
For more job scam prevention resources, visit:
- Identity Theft Resource Center – Job Scam Protection
- FTC – College Students Targeted by Job Scams
- Michigan Attorney General’s Scam Alerts
Summer Job Opportunities at Oakland County
Whether you’re interested in exploring new fields, enhancing your leadership skills, or joining a dynamic team, the right summer job can make a significant impact on your career. Oakland County offers a variety of opportunities, including health and transit internships, lifeguarding roles, and summer business clerk positions with the Sheriff’s Office and Veterans’ Services.
Apply to Oakland County Today!
Learn more about Oakland County’s Information Security Office here. Visit their Citizen Cyber Training portal for online education and online cybersecurity resources to help understand risks and be better prepared for a more secure online experience.
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