A counterfeit onboarding process that harvests identity documents and bank details, or charges for “equipment,” after a fake offer.
Once a scammer has “hired” you, the onboarding stage is where the payoff happens: forms requesting your SSN, a photo of your ID, and direct-deposit details, or a demand to pay for a laptop and software you'll be “reimbursed” for. The documents fuel identity theft; the equipment funds vanish.
Legitimate onboarding follows a signed offer, happens on the employer's verified systems, and never asks you to front money.
Red flags
- Identity documents requested before a signed, verified offer
- Onboarding on an unfamiliar or look-alike portal
- Pay-now-reimburse-later equipment requests
Deep-dive guide
Identity Theft Job Scams: When the 'Job' Is Really After Your Documents
Frequently asked questions
When is it safe to share my SSN and bank details with a new employer?
Only after you've verified the company and received a genuine, signed offer, and only through the employer's official, secured systems — never on a portal reached from an unsolicited email.