While it might seem obvious to many that large companies like Temu or Target wouldn't randomly extend unbelievably lucrative job offers, the reality is that people are falling for these scams in droves. According to recent data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumers lost a staggering $470 million to text message scams in 2024—five times the amount lost in 2020.

The most prevalent scam has been fake package delivery notices, but job scams are close behind, ranked as the second most common type of scam text. These fraudulent messages purport to come from reputable recruiters and often promise high-paying jobs for minimal effort, making them particularly enticing.

Kati Daffan, an attorney within the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, highlights that job scam losses have more than tripled from 2020 to 2023. As the labor market fluctuates and the economic outlook grows more uncertain, the potential for these scams to multiply is significant. Adding to the threat is the advancement in technology: AI tools now enable scammers to craft more convincing and realistic messages.

The mechanics of job text scams are straightforward but alarming. An unsolicited message presents an attractive job offer, often from a credible-seeming email or phone number. These offers promise sky-high salaries for simple online tasks. However, they come with unusual conditions such as conducting interviews solely via text, opting to pay in cryptocurrency, or asking for upfront payments from the applicant—red flags that often go unnoticed by eager job seekers.

Eva Velasquez, CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center, reports that 2023 saw an unexpected spike in job scam incidents. These scams not only result in monetary losses but can also compromise personal data, including Social Security numbers, driver's licenses, and bank information. Such data is subsequently used for identity theft and other malicious purposes.

One particularly insidious version of these scams involves sending a fake check under the guise of covering work-related expenses. The check is for more than the stated amount, and victims are instructed to send back the surplus. Once the check bounces, the victim is left in financial hot water.

The rise in these incidents correlates with economic challenges, particularly affecting younger generations. Gen Zers and millennials, who are particularly comfortable with digital transactions, are often the most susceptible. For them, conducting serious business over text isn't unusual, and the prospect of earning quick money through minimal online tasks appears plausible.

Combating these scams is a complex issue with no clear responsibility. Kate Griffin from the Aspen Institute's Financial Security Program points out that while multiple federal agencies, including the FBI and Treasury Department, have roles in addressing these scams, a coordinated national strategy is missing. Telecommunication companies, hindered by business interests and the difficulty of monitoring message contents, also struggle to make a significant impact.

For now, much of the responsibility falls on individual consumers to recognize and avoid scams. Scrutinizing the message's origin, checking grammar, and being skeptical of offers that appear too good to be true are crucial steps. Verifying the legitimacy of a job posting by independently checking the company's website or contacting them directly can help prevent falling victim to these scams.

The FTC advises against responding to unexpected texts or WhatsApp messages about job offers and urges consumers to report any suspected fraud. As scams become more sophisticated, staying vigilant is essential.