Summer Jobs Online Safety

Looking for a summer job? So are scammers. Know how to tell the real from the fake.

$2B+

lost to job scams globally each year

16-24

most targeted age group for job scams

72%

of victims never recover their money

Job Scams Target Young People

Every summer, thousands of young people fall victim to fake job offers posted online. Scammers know that teens and young adults are eager to earn money and may be less experienced at spotting fraud.

These scams can result in stolen personal information, identity theft, financial loss, and in some cases, even unwitting involvement in money laundering.

Signs of a Fake Job Offer

Pay too high

$500/day for easy data entry? If the pay seems unrealistically high for simple work, it's a scam.

Contacted out of nowhere

Receiving a job offer you never applied for via email, social media or text is a major warning sign.

Work from home - no interview

Legitimate employers always interview. Jobs that skip this step and ask you to start immediately are fake.

Asked to pay first

Real employers never ask you to pay for equipment, training, or a background check upfront.

Asked to receive/forward money

If a "job" asks you to receive money and transfer it elsewhere, you are being used as a money mule - this is illegal.

Vague job description

"Flexible online work" with no specific duties or company name is almost always fraudulent.

Rules for Safe Job Hunting Online

Research the company thoroughly

Look up the company on LinkedIn, their official website, and search for reviews on Glassdoor or Indeed before responding.

Never pay to get a job

Legitimate employers never charge candidates for applications, equipment, background checks, or training.

Protect your personal information

Don't share your National ID, bank account details, or full date of birth until you have a verified, signed contract.

Meet in a safe public place

If meeting an employer in person, choose a public location. Tell someone where you're going.

Be suspicious of "too easy" work

Sorting packages, reshipping goods, or forwarding payments are common fronts for criminal operations.

Trust your instincts

If something feels off - the salary is too high, the employer is pushy, or requests feel wrong - walk away.

Use trusted job platforms

Stick to well-known platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, or government job boards. Verify any local listings.

Tell a parent or trusted adult

Before accepting any job offer, show it to someone you trust. A second opinion could save you from fraud.

Summer Jobs Online Safety

Job Scams Target Young People

Signs of a Fake Job Offer

Rules for Safe Job Hunting Online

Think you found a fake job?

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