When we published our employment scam awareness article last year, we focused on warning signs such as fake recruiters, work-from-home schemes and requests for up-front payments.
Those still matter today. However, the tactics have evolved. Scammers are increasingly using professional-looking websites, text messages, social media platforms and even artificial intelligence to make fraudulent job offers appear legitimate. Recent incidents involving Michigan residents show why job seekers should take a fresh look at the risks before beginning their job searches.
In a WXYZ-TV report, a Troy man searching for employment lost thousands of dollars after responding to what appeared to be a legitimate job opportunity. Another WXYZ investigation highlighted a phishing campaign targeting Livonia students with fake job offers designed to steal personal and financial information.
According to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center’s 2025 Annual Report, employment scams have grown nationwide. Criminals have increasingly used fake recruiters, fraudulent remote work opportunities and online messaging platforms to reach victims. Michigan residents filed thousands of cybercrime complaints last year, resulting in millions of dollars in reported losses.
Today’s Job Scams
Many employment scams no longer arrive through suspicious emails filled with spelling mistakes. Instead, they often begin with a professional-looking text message, LinkedIn message or email that appears to come from a real company.
Some scammers impersonate legitimate recruiters. Others create fake company websites that each closely resemble the real thing. In some cases, criminals use AI-generated messages or conduct online interviews through chat platforms to seem convincing.
One common scam involves a job seeker “hired” almost immediately. The new employee is told to purchase equipment for a remote position. The scammer sends a check and instructs the victim to buy supplies from a designated vendor. Days later, the check bounces, but the victim’s money is gone.
The Federal Trade Commission has warned of a growing trend known as task scams or gamified job scams. Victims are told they can earn money by completing simple online tasks. At first, small payments arrive, creating a false sense of trust. Eventually, victims are pressured to deposit their own money to unlock larger earnings. Many never recover those funds.
Red Flags You Should Know About
A legitimate employer does not pressure you to act immediately.
Be cautious if:
- You receive an unsolicited job offer by text message.
- The pay seems unusually high for the work required.
- You are hired without a meaningful interview.
- The employer asks you to pay for training, equipment or background checks.
- You are asked to deposit a check and send part of the money elsewhere.
- Communication occurs only through text messages or messaging apps.
- The recruiter refuses to speak by phone or video.
- The company website looks new, incomplete or difficult to verify.
If something feels rushed or secretive, take a closer look.
How to Protect Yourself
Before responding to a job offer, independently research the company. Visit its website rather than clicking links provided in messages. Search for the recruiter on the company’s employee directory or LinkedIn page.
If you receive a text message offering a job you have not applied for, treat it with caution. The FTC has warned that unexpected job-offer text messages are increasingly used to lure victims into scams.
Never provide your Social Security number, banking information, driver’s license or copies of identity documents until you have verified that the employer is legitimate and you have completed a genuine hiring process.
Most importantly, remember that legitimate employers pay employees. Employees should not have to pay employers.
The Bottom Line
Michigan’s summer job market remains active, but so do scammers. Compared to those from a year ago, current employment scams are more polished, more personalized and harder to detect.
The good news is that warning signs still exist. Slow down, verify before you trust and remember that a real job opportunity stands up to scrutiny. A few extra minutes of research could save you from becoming the next Michigan resident featured in a scam warning or news report.
Additional References
- FTC Job Scams Overview: consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams
- Michigan Attorney General Consumer Alerts: michigan.gov/ag/consumer-protection
- Indeed Job Scams Guidance: indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/job-scams
- FTC Fraud Reporting: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov
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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