Fake Job Offer Demanding Personal Documents

Scammers pretend to be recruiters or staffing agencies offering attractive job opportunities, work visa sponsorships, or H1B transfer help. They send professional-looking emails that promise easy hiring, no fees, or exclusive project roles. Early in the conversation, victims are asked to provide a long list of sensitive documents, such as a resume, passport copy, Social Security Number, visa papers, and even driver’s license photos. These details are often used for identity theft, fraud, or to create fake profiles to scam others.

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Primary example

How this scam works

  1. 1

    Step 1: You receive an email, phone call, or LinkedIn message from someone claiming to represent a staffing agency or HR department.

  2. 2

    Step 2: They offer a high-paying job or visa help, often with no required fees and urgent timing.

  3. 3

    Step 3: Quickly, they request documents like your SSN, passport, visa details, references, address, and sometimes even scanned ID or driver’s license.

  4. 4

    Step 4: The scammer pressures you to reply fast, making the job sound as if it will disappear if you delay.

  5. 5

    Step 5: After collecting your documents, the scammer may disappear, use your information for identity theft, or attempt to extract more money from you.

✓ Do this

  • Research the company online: check that their website, history, and staff are legitimate.
  • Contact the company directly using contact details from public sources — not only those provided in the email.
  • Be careful before sharing passport, visa, or Social Security details with anyone you have not met in person.
  • Ask for a video or phone interview and insist on real conversations before sending any sensitive information.

✗ Avoid this

  • Don't send sensitive documents (like passport scans or SSN) to strangers or unknown companies.
  • Don't trust urgent job offers that require personal info before any interview or contract.
  • Don't rely solely on email addresses, signatures, or company websites to verify someone’s identity.
  • Don't pay fees, buy gift cards, or wire money to recruiters promising jobs.

Quick tip: Verify independently

Don’t call numbers or click links in unexpected messages. Go directly to the company’s official site or app and contact support from there.

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