Fake Recruiter → 'Interview on Telegram' Scam
A 'recruiter' from a real-sounding company reaches out, moves the 'interview' to a chat app, extends a quick offer, then hits you with equipment/overpayment fraud or identity theft.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
A recruiter contacts you on a job site or by email, often impersonating a real company, and quickly moves the process to Telegram, WhatsApp, or Signal for a text-only 'interview.' You are offered the job fast, then asked to buy equipment from their 'vendor' (they send a fake check to cover it) or to share sensitive personal and banking details for 'onboarding.' There is no job; the goal is money or your identity. Real recruiters interview by phone or video and use company email.
What it usually looks like
- A recruiter moving everything to a chat app.
- A text-only interview and a fast offer.
- A request to buy equipment via their vendor (with a check to 'cover' it).
- Early requests for SSN, bank details, or a driver's license.
Common warning signs
- Interviews conducted only over chat apps.
- A job offer with little real vetting.
- Buying equipment through a 'vendor' they specify.
- Sensitive personal/bank details requested up front.
Example wording scammers use
“We were impressed by your profile — let's continue on Telegram. You're hired! Buy your work laptop from our vendor; we'll reimburse via the check we send.”
“To onboard, send a photo of your ID and your bank account for direct deposit.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Overpayment/fake-check fraud on 'equipment.'
- Your identity documents and bank details.
- A fast 'yes' before you verify.
What to do
- Verify recruiters and offers through the company's official site and careers page.
- Be wary of chat-app-only interviews and instant offers.
- Never buy equipment tied to a check from an employer.
- Do not share SSN/bank details before a verified hire.
What to do if you already responded
- If you shared ID/bank details, visit IdentityTheft.gov and consider a credit freeze.
- Tell your bank if a check or overpayment is involved.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov and ic3.gov.