NEW YORK (WABC) -- Nearly 1-in-3 Americans report receiving job offer scams via text and email.

Employment scams alone rose 60% in one month this summer, with $12 billion lost to fraud each year.

Employment-related scams exploded in 2025, jumping 1000% in May, June, and July around the time recent graduates are looking for work.

Victims reported losing an average of $1,471 per scam. Most scams shared one thing in common: job seekers were asked to make an upfront payment.

7 On your Side has tips to avoid job scams.

1. You should not have to pay to earn money

The biggest red flag is when an employer or recruiter asks you to send money to buy equipment, a training manual, or other materials with the promise that you will be reimbursed.

2. Beware of bad checks

Some scammers send a che

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