Job offer through Telegram Messenger? Not so fast

With more opportunities to work remotely, it’s common to find and interview for jobs from the comfort of your home. But scammers are finding ways to take advantage — including using instant messaging apps like Telegram Messenger for recruitment and interviews. Wondering how it plays out? Read on.

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Let’s say someone saying they’re a recruiter for a well-known company reaches out about a customer service position. They say Telegram Messenger is the only way they communicate, so you jump on the app to chat. After you text and answer some personal questions, you get the job — and a check to set up your home office.

Time to celebrate and deposit the check? Not quite. It’s a scam. Not only is there no job, those questions you answered might put you at risk for identity theft. And the check was a fake, too. If you deposited it, the bank will take the money back as soon as they realize it was a fake check. Even if you followed the scammer’s instructions and sent money on to someone.

To stay clear of this and other job scams:

• Verify job openings before you apply. Visit the official website for the organization or company you’re applying for. Don’t use the site the caller gives you. Find the real site yourself. Most have a “career opportunities” or “jobs” section.
• See what others are saying. Look up the name of the company plus words like “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.”
• Protect your personal information. Be skeptical of anyone who demands personal information right away. Legitimate employers won’t hire you before meeting you virtually or in-person.
• Never deposit a check from someone you don’t know. An honest employer will never send you a check and then tell you to send them part of the money. That’s a scam. Every time.

If you spot a job scam, the FTC wants to know about it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. And find more advice at ftc.gov/jobscams.

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