A new job is supposed to put money in your account, not take money out of it.

Employment scams are becoming harder to spot. A fake recruiter may use a real company’s name, conduct an online interview, send an official-looking offer letter, and make the opportunity feel legitimate. Then comes the request that changes everything: send money, deposit a check, purchase equipment, or provide sensitive banking information.

When the Job Offer Turns Into a Scam

One common tactic involves sending a new “employee” a check to purchase a laptop, software, or other work equipment. The scammer then instructs the person to deposit the check and send money to an approved “vendor.”

The problem? The check may be fake.

Even if the funds initially appear in your account, the check can later be returned as fraudulent. By then, the money you sent to the “vendor” is gone, and you could be responsible for the loss.

Watch for the Warning Signs

Be cautious if a potential employer:

• Asks you to pay for equipment, training, or other expenses upfront.
• Sends you a check and tells you to send part of the money elsewhere.
• Requests online banking credentials, verification codes, or other sensitive information.
• Offers unusually high pay with little experience or immediately hires you without a meaningful interview.
• Pressures you to act quickly or discourages you from contacting the company directly.

Before You Send Money, Verify.

If something doesn’t add up, stop and independently verify the employer. Visit the company’s official website and contact them using information you find yourself, not the phone number or link provided by the recruiter.

Most importantly, remember one simple rule:

You applied for a job. Not a withdrawal.

If you’ve deposited a suspicious check, sent money, or shared financial information as part of a potential employment scam, contact Notre Dame Federal Credit Union as soon as possible.

Where You Bank DOES Matter.