A sham interview — often text-only or over a messaging app — used to make a fraudulent job offer feel legitimate.
Scammers stage an “interview” that skips the friction of a real one: conducted entirely over chat, on a messaging app, or via a rushed call, with an offer extended almost immediately. The goal is to manufacture the feeling of a real hiring process before asking for money, documents, or a deposit.
Increasingly these use AI: a deepfaked video presence or a cloned voice to pass a quick screen. A legitimate employer invests in a genuine, multi-step interview before extending an offer.
Red flags
- Interview conducted only by text or on a chat app
- A job offer with little or no real conversation
- Interviewer avoids live video or acts oddly on camera
Deep-dive guide
Vishing & Deepfake Interview Scams: When the Voice or Face Is Fake
Frequently asked questions
Are text-only job interviews always scams?
Not always, but a full hiring decision made over chat with no real interview is a strong warning sign. Legitimate employers almost always speak with you by phone or video before making an offer.