SCAM AWARENESSJob application fee scams
A job application fee scam is a fake job offer that requires you to pay money before you can start. The scammer may call it a fee for training, background checks, certification, equipment, or "processing." Honest employers, including the federal government, do not ask you to pay to get a job.
How this scam works
Scammers post jobs on job boards and social media or contact you directly after seeing your resume online. The pay is good, the hours are flexible, and the interview is quick, often by text or chat only. Many people get a job offer within a day or two, with little real screening.
Then comes the catch. You are told to pay for training materials, a background check, a starter kit, or software before your first day. Some scammers promise to repay you with your first paycheck. Others ask for your Social Security number and bank details for "onboarding" and use them for identity theft. After you pay, the recruiter stops responding or asks for more fees.
What it can look like
EXAMPLE · NOT A REAL MESSAGE"Congratulations! You have been selected for the remote Data Entry Assistant role. To complete onboarding, please pay the background check and training fee through [link] today. The cost will be refunded with your first paycheck."
Warning signs
- You must pay a fee for training, equipment, or a background check.
- You get hired after a short text or chat interview.
- The pay seems high for simple, easy work.
- The recruiter uses a personal email address instead of a company one.
- You are asked to pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or a payment app.
- You're asked for your Social Security number before any real offer letter.
How to protect yourself
- Never pay to apply for or get a job, including through a placement firm.
- Look up the company yourself and contact it through its official website.
- Search the company name with "scam" or "complaint" before sharing information.
- Ask for a written offer and verify it with the company's human resources office.
- Hold off on giving your Social Security number until you have verified the employer.
- Be cautious of jobs offered by text or chat apps you didn't apply for.
If you already responded
- Contact your bank or payment app right away and ask to stop or reverse the payment.
- If you shared your Social Security number, visit IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.
- Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three credit bureaus.
- Stop contact with the recruiter and save all messages and job postings.
- Report the fake job to the FTC and to the job site where you found it.
Get step-by-step recovery help →
Where to report it
Common questions
Is it normal to pay for a background check when applying for a job?
No. Legitimate employers generally pay for their own background checks and do not charge applicants. If someone says you must pay for a background check, training, or equipment before you are hired, treat it as a sign of a scam and check the employer through its official website.
How can I tell if a recruiter is real?
Look up the company on your own, not through links the recruiter sends. Call or email the company's official human resources office to confirm the job and the recruiter's name. Be wary of recruiters who only use chat apps or personal email, hire you without a real interview, or ask for money.
Do government jobs require an application fee?
No. The federal government does not charge you to apply for or get a federal job. Be careful of anyone who claims they can guarantee you a government job or get you hired faster for a fee. Look for federal job openings only through official government websites.