How do I report a job scam?
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, to the job platform where the ad appeared, and to your state attorney general or the UK's Action Fraud if you lost money.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Job scams include fake vacancy listings, bogus work-from-home offers, and recruitment impersonation where criminals pretend to be from real companies. They are designed to steal your personal data, extract upfront fees, or turn you into an unwitting money mule. The FTC accepts reports about employment fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov; this data is used to pursue high-volume operators.
Report the fraudulent listing to the job board or platform where it appeared. LinkedIn, Indeed, and major job boards have dedicated abuse reporting forms. Provide the job title, poster account name, and URL. Quick reporting can prevent others from applying to the same fake role.
If you paid any upfront fees, handed over your bank details for 'payroll purposes,' or performed transactions on someone else's behalf, contact your bank immediately. The last situation may mean you were used as a money mule, which carries legal risk. Inform your bank and the police, and cease all activity immediately.
For impersonation of a real employer, also notify that employer's HR or legal department. They can warn genuine job seekers and may have resources to pursue the impersonator.
Common red flags
- The job offered unusually high pay for minimal qualifications or hours
- You were offered the role without a proper interview
- The 'employer' asked you to pay for equipment, training, or a background check
- The company name does not match any verifiable business
- You were asked to receive and forward payments through your bank account
- The hiring manager communicated only by text or WhatsApp and avoided video calls
What to do now
- Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Report the listing to the job board via its abuse reporting tool
- Contact your bank if you made any payment or shared account details
- Alert the real company if the scammer was impersonating them
- Preserve all correspondence and job offer documents as evidence
- Read /scams/job-income-scams for common patterns
Frequently asked questions
Am I in legal trouble if I unknowingly became a money mule?
Knowingly acting as a money mule is a criminal offence. However, acting unknowingly and reporting the activity to your bank and police as soon as you realise what happened demonstrates good faith. Take action immediately and be transparent with authorities.
Can I report a job scam if I only recognised it before applying?
Yes. Near-miss reports are valuable for platform trust teams and regulators. Report the listing even if you did not apply.