A common job scam says a new employee must purchase equipment from a named vendor, pay for training or deposit a check and forward some funds. LinkedIn warns that a check may later bounce, leaving the applicant responsible for money already sent. A convincing offer letter does not settle whether the employer exists or authorized the transaction. Separate verification of the employer from the payment instruction before touching the check, card or bank account.
Before you start
Save the posting, profile, messages, offer letter, vendor address and payment request. Do not deposit a suspicious check merely to 'test' it, and do not send a refund, gift-card code, cryptocurrency or wire transfer. If you already paid, contact the bank or payment provider immediately; recovery options are time-sensitive and depend on the method.Do it step by step
- Pause communication with the recruiter and do not follow the payment link. Note whether the instruction came through LinkedIn, an email domain or an external messaging app.
- Find the employer's official careers site or published main contact independently. Ask HR whether the role, recruiter, offer letter and equipment process are authentic. Do not call the number on the suspicious document.
- Compare the proposed purchase with written employer policy. A demand to buy from a specific storefront or send money back from a check is an especially important warning in LinkedIn's scam guidance.
- If you received a physical or electronic check, speak with your bank's fraud team before depositing or moving funds. An available balance is not the same as a check that has finally cleared.
- Report the job post and the member or company page through LinkedIn's reporting controls. Preserve the evidence without continuing an argument with the scammer.
- If you shared identity documents, use the identity-protection steps applicable in your country; if you shared a password, change it from a trusted device and review account sessions. Warn others only with factual, non-sensitive details.