Spotting AI Job Scams

AI-related job listings can be legitimate, but scammers can also use terms such as model trainer, data annotator, prompt engineer, or AI evaluator to make a fake opportunity sound current. A scam may promise high pay for simple tasks, request an upfront fee, send a fake check for equipment, or ask for identity and banking information before the employer has been verified. The FTC says job scams often start through texts, calls, social media posts, or messages that impersonate an employer. Task scams may show fake balances for liking, rating, or “optimizing” content, then demand deposits to unlock commissions or withdraw earnings. Requests to pay in cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers are serious warning signs. A legitimate employer should not require a worker to pay money to access wages. Verify the role on the company’s official careers site using contact information found independently, not only a link or phone number in the message. Search the company name with terms like scam or complaint, and check whether the recruiter uses a verifiable company domain. Do not send a Social Security number, bank credentials, identity document, or tax information until the employer and hiring process are verified and the information is required through a secure channel. Do not deposit a check and forward money for equipment or training. Save messages, URLs, receipts, and payment details, contact your bank or platform promptly if money was sent, and report the incident to the FTC. When uncertain, pause and verify through an independent channel.