untrappable

Work-from-home scam: is that job offer real?

Editorially reviewed · Last updated August 6, 2026

Yes — this is a scam. A remote job that asks you to pay, deposit a check and send money back, or promises too much for little work is a work-from-home scam.

Work from home — equipment check enclosed
R
Remote Hiring Team
offers@remote-career-team.com
10:41 AM
You're approved for a remote position with flexible hours. Deposit the equipment check, keep the balance, and send the remainder to our supplier at equipment-setup-remote.com/start
View onboarding
The Email, as received

Other versions you might get: A reshipping job, mystery-shopper assignment, virtual-assistant offer, product or app task, or “business opportunity” can use the same script. The title changes, but the request for your money, a fee, a check deposit, or personal information is the tell.

What to do right now

  1. Stop before sending money. Do not pay for a starter kit, training, certification, or equipment, and do not deposit a check and send part back.
  2. Verify the employer independently. Search for the company and job yourself, compare the offer with the employer's official site, and do not use only the recruiter’s link or email address.
  3. If you received a check, tell your bank you suspect it is fake. Do not spend or forward the funds just because they appear available; a fake check can bounce later.
  4. If money or personal information moved, act quickly. Contact the bank or payment company, ask whether the payment can be reversed, and change any exposed passwords.
  5. Report the offer. File at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and keep the job post, messages, check, sender address, and payment instructions.

How to make sure it never bites you

A fake employer may return with a second assignment or a refund story after the first payment. Keep the evidence, use the bank or payment provider's real contact details, and restart any job search from an employer's official site.

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Stop the next one at the source

You got this because your details are on lists that get bought, sold, and leaked. You can't unspill that, but you can make it useless to a scammer. Start with the free steps — they do most of the work.

Optional — if you'd rather it was handled for you

If you'd rather have it watched for you, an identity-protection service monitors your accounts, SSN, and the dark web, warns you the moment something new appears, and helps you recover if someone gets through.

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Frequently asked

Is a work-from-home job with high pay and little work a scam?
It is a strong scam warning. The FTC says work-from-home scams often promise thousands of dollars with little time or effort, then sell starter kits, training, certifications, or other ways to pay before you earn.
Would a real employer send a check and ask me to send the rest back?
No. The FTC says no honest employer sends a check and then asks you to send money back or buy gift cards. The check can appear available before the bank discovers it is fake, leaving you responsible for the money you forwarded.
Do legitimate work-from-home jobs ask for money up front?
Do not pay for the promise of a job. Verify the employer and offer independently, and walk away from a job that requires a fee, equipment payment, or personal information before you can confirm who is hiring.
Is a work-from-home offer without an interview a scam?
It is a warning sign. Choose Work says scam companies often offer jobs without an interview, while scammers want personal information and money. Verify the company yourself before sharing anything.
I deposited a check from a job scam. What should I do?
Do not spend or send any of the funds. Tell your bank immediately that you suspect a fake check, contact any payment company if money already moved, ask about a reversal, and report the offer at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Related scams

Sources

A public service

Help protect someone else

Scams spread because people stay quiet about them. If this could have fooled you, it can fool someone you know — a parent, a friend, the family group chat. Passing it on is the easiest good thing you'll do today. It's safe to forward, and stands on its own as a record for a bank or the police.