Job scams are now being called the fastest-growing type of fraud in the U.S., as scammers are exploiting the pressures of a tough US job market.
These scammers are preying on the state’s vulnerable job seekers, taking advantage of those with growing job insecurity. Florida is one state at risk.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) fraud reports from the first half of 2025 reveal the most commonly reported scams.
Job scams rank as the fourth most common type of fraud in the US. Next most common scam, online shopping.
Some of the other most common fraud in the U.S. are imposter scams, online shopping and negative reviews, Internet services, business and job opportunities, and investment-related
While imposter scams dominate in volume nationwide, investment scams are the most financially draining. The allure of seemingly ‘too good to be true’ opportunities clouds critical judgment, ultimately leaving victims exposed to devastating losses. Job scams work similarly, with victims often promised sky-high pay for simple tasks.
The one age group that was defrauded the most was Americans aged 60 and older.
Balazs Faluvegi, Senior Analyst at brokerage and forex experts BrokerChooser, stated that employment scams have increased by 118% in recent years, as a slowing job market and economic uncertainty have left workers more vulnerable.
The surge is also driven by the growing sophistication of scammers who now use AI, advanced algorithms, and even deepfake technology to create more convincing schemes. In fact, most job searches are now conducted online, and scammers can easily pose as recruiters or companies to trick applicants into handing over personal information and even money. The latter should be a red flag.
“Paying money or providing sensitive information should never be required for a job interview. Even detailed personal information is only requested by legitimate employers after you’ve been officially hired,” said Faluvegi.
