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Don’t be conned by a job scam

It sounds so simple – and enticing. Make hundreds of pounds by simply liking or sharing social media content. However, it’s a scam that will not only take your money, it will also open you up to other types of fraud.

Published on: 5 August 2025

How does this scam work?

You’ll get a text or phone call out of the blue offering you work that pays up to £800 a day. Or you’ll see a job on a site like Indeed or Totaljobs. All you need to do is like or share videos and posts – or maybe review products. This is usually on TikTok but other social media platforms may be used.

If you respond, the scammers will soon ask you to move the chat to WhatsApp or Telegram. You may even be added to a group chat, where other members of the group confirm that they have made money. These people will either be other victims or they may be scam bots.

They will send you a web link to download an app on your phone. It will bypass the Apple or Google app stores –the scammers want to get around the security process. These apps can be used to compromise the security of your device. Or get hold of sensitive information on it.

Once you start liking or sharing, you may receive a small payment to help convince you the job is legit. But these payments usually come from other victims. And you will soon be asked to pay a certain amount to increase your earning potential – for extra training or equipment for example.

They will keep doing this – asking for different, but relatively small amounts of money. The hope is that you’ll keep giving them little payments here and there to eventually get a decent payout. And make you feel like you can’t walk away as you have invested time and money in the “job”.

What are they trying to do?

Getting hold of your data is the main thing. These scams carry a significant risk of the theft of personal and financial information. Once they have this, it can lead to more dangerous types of fraud. Such as:

Identity theft

If you give them information like your date of birth or a copy of some ID, they can get loans, credit cards and more pretending to be you. This will leave a mark on your credit score and could stop you getting credit. They can also threaten you into helping with other scams.

Learn about identity theft

Money laundering

The little money that is sent to you will be from illegal activities. Probably from other scam victims, but maybe from other crimes. If you move this money through your account, you’re helping launder it. And you can be prosecuted even if you don’t know where the money came from or where it’s going.

Avoid becoming a money mule

Jargon buster: Scam bots

A scam bot is a software program that helps scams seem more legitimate. It can do this by:

  • Creating fake profiles on social media accounts.
  • Stealing information by scraping contact details or tricking people into revealing them.
  • Logging into social media accounts using stolen details.
  • Inflating follower counts.
  • Disrupting online conversations.

We’re here to help you stay safe

  • Do your research

    Does the recruiting company have a professional-looking website? Contact info? Good reviews? Are they listed on LinkedIn or Companies House? If they do not have an online presence, they may not be legitimate. And avoid any potential employer that will only give personal email accounts to contact them.

    You should also check the job details on recruitment sites if the text claims to be from one. If it’s not listed, it’s probably not legitimate

  • Protect your personal details

    Never share your details with anyone without properly vetting them first. Be especially wary of sharing bank details and ID.

  • Never hand over any money

    Be wary if a company demands payment for training, equipment, and/or administrative fees before starting work. Legitimate companies will give you the equipment you need. And will offer to expense any costs.  You should never be expected to pay any money to a company that is employing you. Especially via Cryptocurrency or funds transfers.

  • Trust your intuition

    Does it all seem too good to be true? Or are you being put under pressure? Step away if anything feels off about the situation. Be wary of unrealistic salaries or promises of quick riches. And remember that a legitimate company won’t push you to take an opportunity.

  • Report scam texts

    You can forward any suspicious texts you receive to 7726. This will let your mobile provider identify and block these numbers. And stop them targeting others.

  • Use our Scam Checker Service

    If you’re ever unsure about something that involves you making payments, check with us. You can call or visit us in branch. And we’ll let you know if we think it’s a scam.

    Learn about our Scam Checker Service

Show transcript

[00:01]
At Nationwide, we've seen a 60% increase in job scams.

[00:06]
To keep yourself safe, the biggest red flag to look out for is

[00:10]
if you're asked to send money.

[00:12]
You should never be asked for money as part of a new job.

[00:16]
It might be disguised as a legitimate request for training fees,

[00:20]
so pause and verify if you're asked for money.

[00:23]
Watch out if you get approached by text message or via social media with a job

[00:28]
offer for remote work that's highly paid.

[00:30]
Be aware and do your research.

[00:33]
These fake jobs are also listed on legit job sites like Indeed or Total Jobs.

[00:39]
Check out the company or the individual that's approached you.

[00:42]
Research on Companies House and LinkedIn, check for contracts, ask questions,

[00:48]
protect your data.

[00:49]
Never send ID or bank details to unverified sources.

[00:53]
Always report suspicious activity.

[00:56]
Contact your bank and Action Fraud.

[00:58]
Talk about it, share your experience and help others to

[01:02]
stay safe.

[01:04]
Before you make a payment, remember to use our Scam Checker service.

Victim Support

Our partnership with this independent charity supports customers who’ve been a victim of fraud or a scam. They offer a tailored service to meet your individual needs. It’s free, non-judgemental and confidential. And they will help you for as long as you need.

The Nationwide Fraud team will refer you for further support if you need it.

Learn more about Victim Support

Stop. Challenge. Protect

We're proud to be supporting the industry fraud awareness campaign Take Five, which encourages you to perfect the art of saying NO to criminals by taking five minutes to Stop, Challenge, Protect.

Criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police so it can be difficult to spot scam texts, emails and phone calls. However, there are things we can all do to protect ourselves.

Always remember to challenge if someone contacts you asking for your personal or financial information – be direct and say NO. Saying NO can feel uncomfortable but it’s OK to reject, refuse or ignore requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

Take Five websiteReport fraud

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