It can be thrilling to receive a text message from a recruiter who says they have received your resume and want to move the process along by connecting in some way via a link in text or a request for more personal information. Before you act, it’s important to know the unsolicited text is a scam.
Scammers are taking advantage of job seekers by sending fraudulent job recruitment texts that appear legitimate but are designed to steal your personal information or money.
In San Diego County and across the nation, reports of job scams have sharply increased. Many victims say they received an unsolicited text message claiming to be from a recruiter or company offering remote work, flexible hours, or high pay for simple tasks. The scammer may pose as a representative of a well-known company and ask for personal details like your Social Security number, bank account, or a copy of your ID under the guise of processing your employment.
These scams can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and even the compromise of your digital accounts. As your District Attorney, I want you to be informed and empowered to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Be suspicious of:
Unsolicited text messages claiming to offer a job you never applied for
Promises of high pay for easy tasks, like data entry or product reviews
Vague job descriptions or poor grammar in messages
Requests to click suspicious links or download unknown apps
Asking for sensitive information like Social Security number, bank account, or a photo of your driver’s license early in the process
Requests to send money up front for training, equipment, or to verify your identity
Requests to wire money into an account for a stay-at-home job
How to avoid getting scammed:
Don’t respond to unsolicited messages offering you jobs.
Legitimate employers don’t recruit that way.
Research the company independently. Visit their official website or call their verified HR contact to ask if the job is real.
Use trusted job search websites like USAJobs.gov, LinkedIn, Indeed, or employer-specific portals.
Never give out personal information like your Social Security number, bank account, or home address before you’ve confirmed the legitimacy of the job.
Don’t pay upfront fees. Real employers will never ask you to pay for a job opportunity.
Report the scam. Let others know and report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Forward messages to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your wireless provider spot and block similar messages.
If you have already shared personal information:
Immediately contact your bank and credit card companies if financial information was shared.
File an identity theft report at Idtheftcenter.org to start a recovery plan.
Place a fraud alert on your credit reports through Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.
Report the incident to local law enforcement, especially if you lost money or documents.
Scammers prey on people’s hopes and trust. But with the right knowledge, you can avoid falling victim and help spread the word.
If something feels off, trust your instincts. No one is immune to scams but staying alert and informed can help keep your identity and finances safe. As your District Attorney, I’m committed to increasing communication and accessibility between the DA’s Office and the public. I hope these consumer and public safety tips have been helpful.
