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Kevin had just moved back to Washington after finishing a university program out of state. He was eager to find work—ideally something remote so he could help care for his younger siblings while job hunting. Like many job seekers, he turned to online platforms to find his next opportunity.

Within days, he received an email from someone claiming to be a recruiter for a major media company. The job? A Remote Marketing Assistant, $3,800 a month, with flexible hours and the chance to grow into a full-time marketing coordinator role.

The recruiter praised Kevin’s resume and said they were "impressed by his professional background and adaptability." A short interview was scheduled for the next day through a messaging app. It felt unconventional, but Kevin assumed this was just part of the new remote work culture.

After a quick back-and-forth, Kevin was offered the job. He was thrilled.

Then came the onboarding paperwork: bank account details for direct deposit, a scanned copy of his ID for HR, and his Social Security number “to set up benefits.” A day later, a check for $4,500 arrived in the mail, with instructions to deposit it and send $3,200 to a third-party vendor to purchase a “custom workstation.”

Kevin followed the instructions.

Three days later, his bank froze the funds. The check was fraudulent, and the money he transferred was gone. Not only that, but the sensitive information he shared was now in the hands of a scammer.

Why Job Scams Are So Convincing

Scammers know how to craft believable stories. They understand the emotions tied to job hunting—hope, relief, and urgency. Their messages sound professional. They use names of real companies. They design realistic-looking documents. And their goal is always the same: get your money, your personal information, or both.

Here’s How These Scams Typically Unfold:

1. A job seeker posts their resume online or responds to a generic listing.
2. The scammer initiates contact, often through email, LinkedIn, or messaging apps.
3. A fake interview takes place via chat or email.
4. An offer is made quickly, often with promises of great pay, flexible work, and minimal qualifications.
5. Onboarding paperwork asks for personal and financial information.
6. A fake check is sent to the victim to “buy equipment,” and they're told to forward part of the money elsewhere.
7. The check bounces—and the victim is left responsible for the funds sent.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Even though these scams are getting more sophisticated, they usually involve a few common warning signs:

Unrealistic Job Offers

• High pay for simple tasks
• Fast-tracked hiring with little to no vetting
• Offers for positions you never applied to

Urgency and Pressure

• "We need you to send the forms today.”
• "Funds must be transferred immediately.”

Vague Job Descriptions

• Titles like “Virtual Assistant” or “Remote Admin Coordinator” with few details
• Lack of clarity around responsibilities

Requests for Personal Info Too Soon

• Social Security number, banking info, ID photos before a formal offer
• Requests to pay for training or equipment upfront

Unusual Communication Methods

• Interviews via messaging apps or email only
• Emails from Gmail/Yahoo instead of company domains
• No verifiable contact info for the company

Check Scams

• Receiving a check and being told to send money to a third party
• Being asked to buy equipment from a “preferred vendor”

How to Stay Safe — and How NW Plus Has Your Back

Kevin’s story is an unfortunate reminder that not all opportunities are what they seem. At NW Plus, we believe that financial protection starts with education and support. We help our members stay alert, stay informed, and make smart decisions with their money.

Here’s what we recommend:

Do Your Research

Visit the company’s official website and confirm the job listing exists.

Look up the recruiter’s email address and verify it matches the company domain.

Stick With Reputable Job Platforms

Use trusted sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn—but even there, be cautious.

Never Send Money to an Employer

Real companies will never ask you to forward money or pay upfront for equipment.

Protect Your Personal Info

Don’t share your banking details, SSN, or ID photos until you’ve verified the offer and signed a legitimate contract.

Talk to Someone First

When in doubt, reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or contact NW Plus. We're happy to help members understand financial risks before it’s too late.

Thinking About Your Next Financial Step? Let’s Take It Together

Whether you're job hunting, saving for the future, or rebuilding after a financial setback, NW Plus is here to help.

We don’t just offer checking accounts and loans. We offer peace of mind.

Join a credit union that puts your safety first.

See Why Members Choose NW Plus

Become a member today.

Never share your account number, passwords, answers to security questions, or other account information. We will never ask you for this type of information when we call or email you. If someone claiming to be a NW Plus CU representative asks for sensitive account information over the phone or in an email, end the conversation immediately, and call us at 425.297.1000 or come to one of our branches to report the incident.