Check Writing / Data Entry Scams
Easy work-from-home — $50/hr, no experience needed
Job postings for "data entry," "virtual assistant," or "product tester" positions that require no experience and pay far above market rate. After "hiring," they collect your SSN, bank account information, and sometimes a background check fee — then disappear or use your information for identity theft.
What to Watch For
- Position requires zero qualifications but pays $40–60/hour
- Hired within hours of applying, often without any real interview
- Asks for bank account info, SSN, or driver's license before any work begins
- Job posting has grammatical errors or vague job descriptions
Examples
""REMOTE WORK — Data Entry Specialist — $50/hour — No Experience. Start immediately. Send your SSN and bank routing number for payroll setup. Training starts tomorrow.""
Why it works: The combination of high pay, no experience, and immediate start is irresistible to someone job hunting. The urgency skips the verification step.
What to Do
Real jobs require real interviews. Never give your SSN or bank information before you've verified the employer. Research the company on the BBB website, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. If it sounds too good to be true, it is.