Is the LinkedIn Job Scam real or a scam?

This is a confirmed scam. Do not click any links, do not provide personal information, and do not send money. This is a phishing scam.

What should I do if I received the LinkedIn Job Scam?

Do not respond or click any links. Block the sender, report the message as spam, and delete it. If it came via text message, forward it to 7726 (SPAM).

What if I already fell for the LinkedIn Job Scam?

Change your passwords immediately, contact your bank if you shared financial information, place a fraud alert on your credit, and file a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

How do I report the LinkedIn Job Scam?

Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov, and your local law enforcement. If it impersonated a specific company, report it to that company as well.

LinkedIn Job Scam: Is It a Scam?

High Prevalence Type: Phishing

Yes, this is a scam. Do not click any links or provide personal information.

Scammers create fake recruiter profiles on LinkedIn and reach out with attractive job offers to steal your personal information, collect upfront fees, or trick you into laundering money through fake remote jobs.

How This Scam Works

A professional-looking LinkedIn profile reaches out about an exciting job opportunity with a well-known company. The role offers high pay for remote work. After a brief text-based 'interview' via LinkedIn messages or a messaging app, you are offered the job. The scammer then asks for personal details for 'onboarding' including your Social Security number, bank routing number, or a copy of your ID. Some variants require you to purchase equipment from a specific vendor who is part of the scam, or ask for an upfront fee for background checks or training materials. Check-cashing and reshipping scams also begin with fake LinkedIn job offers.

Red Flags to Watch For

Recruiter profile was recently created with few connections
Job offer without a formal interview process
Interview conducted entirely via text or messaging apps
Request for SSN, bank info, or ID copies before formal hiring
Requirement to pay for training, equipment, or background checks upfront
Salary is unusually high for the role

Example Scam Messages

DM: 'Hi [Name], I came across your profile and think you'd be a great fit for a Remote Customer Success Manager role at [Fortune 500 company]. Salary: $85-120K. Would you be interested in learning more?' Follow-up after 'interview': 'Congratulations, you've been selected! To begin onboarding, please fill out this form with your full legal name, SSN, date of birth, and bank details for direct deposit setup.' --- DM: 'We have a data entry position, 100% remote, $45/hr. No experience needed. To get started, we need you to purchase a laptop from our certified vendor.'

What to Do If You Received This

Research the recruiter and company independently
Verify the job posting exists on the company's official careers page
Never pay upfront fees for a job
Do not share SSN or bank details until formally hired through verified channels
Insist on a video call interview with a verifiable company representative

What to Do If You Fell For It

If you shared your SSN, place a fraud alert and credit freeze at all three bureaus
If you sent money, contact your bank immediately
File an identity theft report at identitytheft.gov
Change passwords on all accounts
Monitor your credit reports closely

How to Report This Scam

Report the profile on LinkedIn using the report feature
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
File a complaint with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov
Report job scams to your state attorney general

Last updated: February 10, 2026